Quick Facts For Prelims
India Signs Major Defence Contracts
31-12-2025
Source: TH
India signed defence procurement contracts worth ₹4,666 crore for the induction of modern infantry weapons and advanced naval torpedoes, reinforcing operational preparedness and indigenisation.
- Over 4.25 lakh Close Quarter Battle Carbines will be procured for the Indian Army and Navy from Bharat Forge Ltd & PLR Systems Pvt Ltd (India) to replace legacy rifles.
- The carbines offer compact design, high rate of fire and enhanced lethality, boosting effectiveness in urban and confined-space combat.
- This strengthens Aatmanirbhar Bharat, Make in India, MSME participation and indigenous defence manufacturing.
- Forty-eight heavyweight torpedoes will be procured from WASS Submarine Systems (Italy) for Kalvari-class (Project-75) submarines, with deliveries scheduled between 2028 and 2030, significantly strengthening India’s underwater warfare capability.
- Kalvari-class (Project-75) submarines are India-built Scorpène-class diesel-electric attack submarines of the Indian Navy, strengthening underwater warfare, stealth surveillance, and sea-denial capabilities in the Indian Ocean Region.
- In FY 2025–26, the Ministry of Defence has signed capital acquisition contracts worth ₹1.82 lakh crore, reflecting sustained focus on defence modernisation and indigenisation.
Israel’s Recognition of Somaliland
31-12-2025
Source: TH
Israel becomes the first country to formally recognise Somaliland (not a UN-recognised state) as an independent state, with implications for regional stability, maritime security, and great power competition.
- Israel claims the recognition is in the spirit of the Abraham Accords, as Israel seeks to normalise relations with non-traditional partners.
Somaliland
- Historical Background: Previously, it was the British Somaliland Protectorate, and it formally became a British colony in 1920. Gained independence as the State of Somaliland in 1960 before voluntarily merging with Italian Somaliland to form Somalia.
- It declared independence in 1991 after the fall of Siad Barre’s regime, following large-scale human rights abuses against the Isaaq clan, which is dominant in Somaliland.
- Operates with de facto autonomy, having its own currency, passports, police, and capital (Hargeisa), but lacks international recognition until now.
- Strategic Location: Somaliland lies in the Horn of Africa, an East African peninsula extending into the Gulf of Aden, Somali Sea, and Guardafui Channel, comprising Djibouti, Eritrea, Ethiopia, and Somalia.
- The region overlooks critical global shipping routes, with the Bab el-Mandeb Strait located near Djibouti and Eritrea, linking the Red Sea to the Indian Ocean.
- Security & Military Dimensions: Somaliland presents Israel with a strategic opportunity, offering a potential forward base for intelligence, logistics, and counter-Houthi operations, as well as a possible location for resettling Palestinians. The UAE operates a military port and airstrip in Berbera (port city).

Small Finance Banks (SFBs)
31-10-2025
Source: BS
Why in News?
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has returned Jana Small Finance Bank’s (SFB) application for transition into a universal bank, citing non-fulfilment of eligibility criteria outlined under its 2024 guidelines for SFBs.
What is a Small Finance Bank?
- About: SFBs are private institutions created to enhance financial inclusion in India. They offer basic banking facilities, including deposits and credit, to unserved and underserved groups like small farmers, micro industries, and informal sector enterprises.
- Origin: Announced in Union Budget 2014–15 to boost financial inclusion, the idea stems from the 2009 Raghuram Rajan Committee’s A Hundred Small Steps report.
- Eligibility Criteria: Resident individuals/professionals with 10 years of experience in banking and finance.
- Capital Requirements: For Primary (Urban) Co-operative Banks transiting into SFBs, initial requirement of net worth shall be ₹100 crore, which will have to be increased to ₹200 crore.
- Minimum paid-up voting equity capital / net worth requirement shall be ₹200 crore.
- Promoter’s initial contribution: 40%, to be reduced to 26% within 12 years.
- Foreign investment permitted as in other private sector banks.
- Regulatory and Prudential Norms: SFBs are full-fledged banks, unlike Payments Banks, and follow RBI’s prudential norms such as CRR and SLR maintenance.
- Regulated under the Banking Regulation Act, 1949 and supervised by the RBI.
- Operational Mandates: Must allocate 75% of Adjusted Net Bank Credit (ANBC) to Priority Sector Lending (PSL).
- At least 50% of loans should be of value up to Rs 25 lakh.
- No geographical restrictions, but 25% of branches must be in unbanked rural centres.
- Preference to banks setting up in under-banked states/districts.
- Permissible Activities: It can distribute mutual fund units, insurance, and pension products with RBI and sectoral regulator approval.
- May become a Category II Authorised Dealer in foreign exchange.
- Cannot establish subsidiaries for non-banking financial activities.
RBI's 2024 Guidelines for Converting SFBs into Universal Banks
- Eligible Applicants: Only listed Small Finance Banks (SFBs) are eligible to apply for conversion into a Universal Bank.
- Financial Requirements: Must have a minimum net worth of Rs 1,000 crore, scheduled bank status, and a profitable operational record for at least five years.
- Asset Quality Criteria: Must maintain gross NPAs below 3% and net NPAs below 1% consistently for the previous two years.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is a Small Finance Bank?
SFBs are private institutions created to enhance financial inclusion in India. They offer basic banking facilities, including deposits and credit, to unserved and underserved groups like small farmers, micro industries, and informal sector enterprises.
2. When were SFBs introduced and under whose recommendation?
Introduced in Union Budget 2014–15, based on the 2009 Raghuram Rajan Committee Report – “A Hundred Small Steps.”
3. What are the key eligibility criteria for an SFB to convert into a universal bank as per RBI's 2024 guidelines?
The SFB must be listed, have a minimum net worth of ₹1,000 crore, a profitable track record of 5 years, and maintain gross NPAs <3% and net NPAs <1% for two consecutive years.
UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Questions (PYQs)
Q. What is the purpose of setting up of Small Finance Banks (SFBs) in India? (2017)
- To supply credit to small business units
- To supply credit to small and marginal farmers
- To encourage young entrepreneurs to set up business particularly in rural areas.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Ans: (a)
NISAR Satellite
31-07-2025
Source: TH
Why in News?
The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) - Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) Synthetic Aperture Radar (NISAR) satellite, an Earth observation mission, was launched by ISRO from Sriharikota.

What are the Key Facts About NISAR Satellite?
- About: NISAR, jointly developed by ISRO and NASA, is the first satellite mission to use dual-frequency radar (L-band and S-band) from a single platform, with advanced microwave imaging capabilities including polarimetric and interferometric data.
- Technical Features:
- Dual-band Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR):
- L-band SAR (by NASA): Penetrates forest canopy, ice, and soil, useful for biomass and deformation studies.
- S-band SAR (by ISRO): Better for monitoring crops, wetlands, and other surface-level features.
- Launch Vehicle: Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle Mark II (GSLV Mk II) (specifically the GSLV-F16 variant), India’s largest rocket, is an expendable three-stage launch vehicle.
- The NISAR mission marks the first time ISRO is using a GSLV to place a satellite in sun-synchronous polar orbit.
- Mission Life: 5 Years.
- Phases: The mission includes four phases- launch, deployment, commissioning, and science operations.
- The deployment phase extends a 12-meter antenna 9 meters from the satellite, with commissioning in the first 90 days, followed by science operations for the rest of the mission.
- Mission Objectives and Coverage: The NISAR mission will provide high-resolution data every 12 days to monitor land changes across Earth.
- It will track ground deformation caused by earthquakes, landslides, and volcanic activity.
- Measure forest biomass and carbon stock by observing woody vegetation.
- It monitors agricultural patterns such as crop extent and growth cycles, and assesses changes in wetlands driven by seasonal and climatic variations.
- Study cryosphere dynamics, including glacier and sea ice melt in the Arctic and Antarctic regions.
- Significance for India: NISAR marks as a key step in Indo-US space ties, the launch reflects India’s rise as a global science partner or ‘Vishwa Bandhu’.
- It supports disaster management, agriculture, and climate monitoring.
- Furthermore, India has joined the Artemis Accords and collaborated with NASA on human spaceflight, marking a deeper partnership in space exploration.
.png)
What is a Radar Band?
- About: Electromagnetic radiation with frequencies between about 10 kHz and 100 GHz are referred to as radio frequencies (RF).
- The RFs are divided into groups that have similar characteristics, called "bands," such as "S-band," "L-band," etc.
- Common Radar Bands:
- Significance:
- Lower frequency bands (L, S) can penetrate through rain, clouds, vegetation useful for mapping and Earth observation.
- Higher frequency bands (X, Q, V, W) give sharper images and better resolution, but are more affected by weather and atmospheric conditions.
UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Question (PYQ)
Prelims:
Q. With reference to India’s satellite launch vehicles, consider the following statements: (2018)
- PSLVs launch the satellites useful for Earth resources monitoring whereas GSLVs are designed mainly to launch communication satellites.
- Satellites launched by PSLV appear to remain permanently fixed in the same position in the sky, as viewed from a particular location on Earth.
- GSLV Mk III is a four-staged launch vehicle with the first and third stages using solid rocket motors, and the second and fourth stages using liquid rocket engines.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3
(c) 1 and 2
(d) 3 only
Ans: (a)
Q. Which of the following pairs is/are correctly matched? (2014)
Spacecraft Purpose
- Cassini-Huygens : Orbiting the Venus and transmitting data to the Earth
- Messenger : Mapping and investigating the Mercury
- Voyager 1 and 2 : Exploring the outer solar system
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Ans: (b)
Rashtra Prerna Sthal
30-12-2025
Source: TH
The Prime Minister (PM) inaugurated the Rashtra Prerna Sthal in Lucknow on the 101st birth anniversary of former PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee, dedicating it to the ideals of unity, self-respect, and service.
- Multi-Leader Tribute: The site honors Atal Bihari Vajpayee, Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay, and Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee with 65-feet bronze statues and a lotus-shaped museum.
- Atal Bihari Vajpayee: He served as India’s PM 3 times—in 1996, 1998–1999, and 1999–2004—and was awarded the Padma Vibhushan (1994) and the Bharat Ratna (2015). His birth anniversary (25th December) is observed as Good Governance Day.
- Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay: He was an Indian politician and ideologue of RSS and Bharatiya Jana Sangh, focused on Antyodaya—uplifting the most disadvantaged. His philosophy of Integral Humanism emphasized social justice and self-reliance, and his birth anniversary (25th September) is observed as Antyodaya Diwas.
- Dr Syama Prasad Mookerjee: He was an Indian politician, the youngest Vice-Chancellor of Calcutta University (1934), and founder of the Bharatiya Jan Sangh (1951), which later evolved into the Bharatiya Janata Party. He famously opposed Article 370, arguing one nation cannot have two constitutions, two heads, or two flags, and was known for his sharp parliamentary debates, earning the title The Lion of Parliament.

Australia to Eliminate Tariffs on 100% of Indian Exports
30-12-2025
Source: TH
Under the India-Australia Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (Ind-Aus ECTA) Australia will provide duty-free access to 100% of Indian exports from 1 January 2026, marking a major milestone in bilateral trade relations.
- The ECTA, operational since December 2022, was an early-harvest deal, while negotiations for a broader India-Australia Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (CECA) are currently underway.
- Impact: Over three years, ECTA has delivered sustained export growth, wider market access, and stronger supply-chain resilience, benefiting exporters, MSMEs, farmers, and workers.
- Growth: India’s exports to Australia rose by 8% in 2024–25, improving the trade balance, with strong gains across manufacturing, chemicals, textiles, plastics, pharmaceuticals, petroleum products, and gems & jewellery.
- Boost to Agriculture: Agri-exports witnessed broad-based expansion with sharp rise in fruits & vegetables, marine products, spices, and exceptional growth in coffee exports.
- Support to Labour-Intensive Sectors: Full tariff removal is expected to unlock opportunities for MSMEs, farmers, and labour-intensive industries, enhancing employment and income generation.
- Significance: ECTA has strengthened supply-chain resilience, market diversification, and India’s Indo-Pacific economic integration.
Indi and Puliyankudi Limes
30-10-2025
Source: PIB
Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) has facilitated the first-ever air shipment of GI-tagged Indi Lime (Karnataka) and Puliyankudi Lime (Tamil Nadu) to the United Kingdom.
- This shipment marks a key step in APEDA’s push to boost global recognition of India’s GI-tagged produce, benefiting farmers and strengthening market linkages.
Indi Lime (Vijayapura)
- About: The Indi Lime is the 2nd lime variety after the Assam Lime to receive the prestigious GI recognition. It got the GI tag in 2023.
- Production Hub: Grown mainly in Karnataka’s Vijayapura district, it is prized for its quality, zesty aroma, high juice yield, and culinary and medicinal value, reflecting the region’s agricultural heritage.
- Vijayapura district contributes nearly 58% of Karnataka’s total lime production. Karnataka itself ranks 4th among Indian states in lime cultivation.
Puliyankudi Lime
- About: Puliyankudi Lime (from Tenkasi, Tamil Nadu), also called Kadayam variety, features thin peel, strong acidity, and high vitamin C content with about 55% juice yield.
- GI Tag: The Puliyankudi Lime received its GI tag in April 2025, recognizing its distinct nutritional and regional attributes.
Samudrayaan Project
30-08-2025
Source: IE
Why in News?
Two Indian aquanauts dived into the Atlantic Ocean aboard France’s submersible Nautile as part of preparations for the Samudrayaan Project.
What is the Samudrayaan Project?

What is the Deep Ocean Mission?
- Objective: Launched by Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES) for a period of 5 years (2021-26) to develop technologies for exploring and sustainably utilizing the deep ocean’s living and non-living resources
- It promotes India’s Blue Economy, covering marine industries like fishing, shipping, biotechnology, and tourism
- It supports climate change research and aligns with UN’s 2021–2030 ‘Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development’
- Mission Components:
- Deep Sea Mining & Manned Submersible: Development of submersible to reach 6,000 m and mining of polymetallic nodules. Prepares India for future commercial deep-sea exploration under International Seabed Authority rules.
- Ocean Climate Change Advisory Services: Observation and modeling of climate variables for seasonal to decadal projections, aids Blue Economy and coastal tourism.
- Deep-Sea Biodiversity: Bio-prospecting and sustainable use of deep-sea flora, fauna, and microbes.
- Deep Ocean Survey & Exploration: Identifying multi-metal hydrothermal sulphide sites along Indian Ocean ridges.
- Energy & Freshwater from Ocean: Feasibility studies for Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC) desalination plant, supports offshore energy development.
- Advanced Marine Station: Build talent in ocean biology and engineering; turn research into industrial products via on-site incubators.
- Progress: Under the mission, the deep-water Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (AUV) Ocean Mineral Explorer (OMe 6000) was deployed for exploration.
- In December 2022, it surveyed mineral-rich zones at a depth of 5,271 meters in the Central Indian Ocean Basin Polymetallic Manganese Nodule (PMN) site.
- Using the research vessel SagarNidhi, the AUV OMe 6000 conducted a 14 sq. km survey to assess polymetallic nodule distribution and deep-sea biodiversity, paving the way for future exploration and resource mapping.
UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Questions (PYQs)
Prelims
Q: With reference to the United Nations Convention on the Law of Sea, consider the following statements: (UPSC Prelims 2022)
- A coastal state has the right to establish the breadth of its territorial sea up to a limit not exceeding 12 nautical miles, measured from a baseline determined in accordance with the convention.
- Ships of all states, whether coastal or land-locked, enjoy the right of innocent passage through the territorial sea.
- The Exclusive Economic Zone shall not extend beyond 200 nautical miles from the baseline from which the breadth of the territorial sea is measured.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Ans: (d)
Q: Consider the following statements: ( 2021)
- The Global Ocean Commission grants licences for seabed exploration and mining in international waters.
- India has received licences for seabed mineral exploration in international waters.
- “Rare earth minerals’ are present on the seafloor in international waters.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Ans: (b)

CDS Released 3 Joint Doctrines for Armed Forces
30-08-2025
Source: HT
Chief of Defence Staff released 3 joint doctrines for armed forces to enhance integration, interoperability, and operational effectiveness across land, sea, air, space, and cyber domains.
- Joint Doctrine for Special Forces Operations: Aims to ensure interoperability of Para Special Forces (Army), Marine Commandos (MARCOS) (Navy), and Garud Commando Force (IAF).
- Recommends Joint Service Training Institutes (JsSTIs) as Centres of Excellence.
- It focuses on advanced joint training for night operations, adverse weather missions, electronic warfare, and precision-guided munition support.
- Joint Doctrine for Airborne and Heliborne Operations: Stresses on integration of advanced technology, joint services training, and tactical synergy.
- Ensures readiness from peacetime engagements to high-intensity conflicts.
- Multi-Domain Operations (MDO) Doctrine: It covers integration across land, sea, air, space, cyber, and cognitive domains. Aims to empower decision-making and enhance battlefield responsiveness.
Chief of Defence Staff
- The CDS is the highest-ranking military officer in India, serving as the principal principal military advisor to the Defence Minister on all tri-service matters and heading the Department of Military Affairs (DMA).
- The position was created to enhance jointness and coordination among the three services – Army, Navy, and Air Force.
- CDS is the Permanent Chairman of the Chiefs of Staff Committee and a member of the Defence Acquisition Council.

USD 125.8 billion by 2032
30-08-2025
Source: PIB
The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has launched Project Aarohan to support the education of children of toll plaza employees.
Project Aarohan
- About: It is a scholarship and mentorship initiative in partnership with Vertis Infrastructure Trust, implemented by SMEC Trust’s Bharat Cares, aimed at children from economically weaker sections.
- Objectives: To eliminate financial barriers, ensure equal access to quality education, and nurture talent, thereby bridging socio-economic disparities.
- Key Features: Supports 500 students from Class 11 to undergraduate level with an annual scholarship of Rs 12,000, and 50 postgraduate students with Rs 50,000 each.
- It provides mentorship, skill development, and career guidance.
- It gives priority to girls, first-generation learners, and students from economically weaker sections (EWS), SC, ST, OBC, and minority communities.
- Significance:
- Promotes Educational Equity: Provides financial support and mentorship to children of toll plaza employees from EWS, ensuring access to quality education.
- Fosters Inclusive Growth: Prioritizes girls, first-generation learners, and students from marginalized communities (SC, ST, OBC, minorities), helping bridge socio-economic disparities.
- Develops Human Capital: Enhances career opportunities, skill development, talent nurturing, employment & entrepreneurship, contributing to nation-building.
National Highways Authority of India (NHAI)
- NHAI was established under the NHAI Act, 1988 to oversee the development, maintenance, and management of national highways.
- National highways span 132,499 km, carrying 40% of India’s road traffic while accounting for only 2% of the road network.

India Hosts 2nd BIMSTEC Ports Conclave
30-07-2025
Source: PIB
Why in News?
India hosted the 2nd BIMSTEC (Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation) Ports Conclave in Visakhapatnam, to strengthen maritime connectivity, and sustainable development in the region.
BIMSTEC Ports Conclave
- Theme 2025: "Navigating the Future: Blue Economy, Innovation and Sustainable Partnerships.”
- Significance for India: Boosts India's leadership in Bay of Bengal maritime cooperation, and aligns with Sagarmala goals of port-led growth and connectivity
What are the Key Outcomes of 2nd BIMSTEC Ports Conclave?
- Push to Implement AMTC: Member countries were urged to ratify and implement the BIMSTEC Agreement on Maritime Transport Cooperation (AMTC), signed during the 6th BIMSTEC Summit (2025, Bangkok).
- The AMTC aims to boost port-led growth, enhance maritime trade and tourism, and promote skill development across BIMSTEC nations.
- Kaladan Corridor: The Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport Project (KMTTP) was recognized as a strategic corridor linking India’s Northeast with the Bay of Bengal, central to India’s Act East and Neighbourhood First policies.
- The KMTTP, jointly developed by India and Myanmar, enables efficient cargo movement from India’s eastern ports to the Northeast via Myanmar.
- It includes a waterway on Myanmar’s Kaladan River from Sittwe to Paletwa, and a road from Paletwa to Zorinpui on the India-Myanmar border in Mizoram.
- KMTTP helps bypass the narrow Siliguri Corridor (or “Chicken’s Neck”), reducing transport costs and time.
- BIMSTEC Sustainable Maritime Transport Centre (Mumbai): It will be launched under the Indian Ocean Centre of Excellence for Sustainable Maritime Transport (IOCE-SMarT), which will lead efforts in policy harmonisation, green transition, and digital innovation in the maritime sector.
- Cruise Tourism Potential: Conclave emphasised eco-sensitive cruise routes, and Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) led cruise terminals to position the Bay of Bengal as a premier sustainable tourism corridor.
What is BIMSTEC?
- About: BIMSTEC is a regional organization established on 6th June 1997 through the Bangkok Declaration.
- Purpose: Promote economic and technical cooperation among Bay of Bengal countries.
- Evolution: Originally started as BIST-EC (Bangladesh, India, Sri Lanka, Thailand Economic Cooperation), the grouping became BIMST-EC after Myanmar joined in 1997. It was renamed BIMSTEC in 2004 following the inclusion of Nepal and Bhutan.
- At the 3rd BIMSTEC Summit in 2014, the BIMSTEC Secretariat was established in Dhaka, Bangladesh.
- Sectors of Cooperation: Initially six (trade, technology, energy, transport, tourism, and fisheries). In 2008, it expanded to include agriculture, public health, counter-terrorism, environment, and climate change.
- To improve coordination, the sectors were reorganized in 2021, with each member state taking the lead in specific areas.
- India leads the Security pillar in BIMSTEC, covering counter-terrorism, transnational crime, disaster management, and energy.

UPSC Civil Services Examination Previous Year Question (PYQ)
Prelims
Q. Consider the following statements in respect of BIMSTEC: (2025)
I. It is a regional organization consisting of seven member States till January 2025.
II. It came into existence with the signing of the Dhaka Declaration, 1999.
III. Bangladesh, India, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Nepal are founding member States of BIMSTEC.
IV. In BIMSTEC, the subsector of 'tourism' is being led by India.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A. I and II
B. II and III
C. I and IV
D. I only
Ans: (D)
CRISPR Technology for Climate-Resilient Crops
30-06-2025
Source: PIB
Scientists from the Bose Institute, under the Department of Science and Technology (DST), have developed a novel CR-9ISPR-dCas9-based molecular tool that enhances plant resistance to heat stress and pathogen attacks.
CRISPR-dCas9-Based Molecular Tool
- CRISPR-dCas9: It is a modified version of the CRISPR-Cas9 gene-editing tool. In this version, the Cas9 protein is made inactive, meaning it can no longer cut DNA. However, it still uses a guide RNA (gRNA) to find and attach to specific DNA sequences.
- While regular CRISPR-Cas9 works by cutting DNA to make changes in the gene, CRISPR-dCas9 does not cut the DNA. Instead, it acts like a gene switch by turning specific genes on or off without changing the DNA itself.
- This makes it useful for safely controlling when certain genes, like stress-response genes in plants, are activated, only when needed, saving energy and improving efficiency.
- Working Mechanism: Plants often face stress due to extreme weather or pathogen attacks, which reduces their productivity and growth.
- CRISPR-dCas9 helps plants respond only when under stress using a transmembrane (TM) domain from a tomato protein (NACMTF3) to keep a modified protein, dCas9, outside the nucleus under normal conditions.
- During stress (like heat or pathogen attack), the TM domain releases dCas9, which then enters the nucleus and activates specific defense genes.
- Under pathogen attack (e.g., Pseudomonas syringae), it activates CBP60g and SARD1 immune response genes, boosting immune responses, and under heat stress, it activates NAC2 and HSFA6b, improving water retention, leaf greenness, and thermotolerance.
- Application: Tested on tomato, potato, and tobacco, it showed the highest effectiveness in tomato plants.

Narsapuram Crochet Lace
29-12-2025
Source: TH
The traditional crochet lace craft of Narasapur in Andhra Pradesh exports crossed ₹150 crore in the current financial year, marking a strong revival of the craft after the Covid-19 setback.
Narsapuram Crochet Lace
- Origins: Beginning in 1844, Narsapuram crochet lace withstood hardships such as the Indian Famine of 1899 and the Great Depression of 1929, reflecting its enduring legacy.
- By the early twentieth century, more than 2,000 women in the Godavari region were engaged in lace-making, emphasizing its cultural and social significance.
- Technique: The craft involves converting fine cotton threads into elaborate lace structures using delicate crochet needles of varying sizes.
- Methodology: Artisans employ a single crochet hook to form loops and interlocking stitches that result in intricate lace designs.
- Products: The handmade crochet industry produces garments, home furnishings, and accessories such as doilies, pillow covers, bedspreads, table linens, purses, stoles, lampshades, and wall hangings.
- Market: Narsapuram crochet lace products are exported worldwide, including to the United Kingdom, the United States of America, and France.
- Recognition – The craft has received the One District One Product award and a Geographical Indication tag, with support from the International Lace Trade Centre and the Exports Promotion Council for Handicrafts(EPCH).
- EPCH is a statutory body under the Ministry of Textiles and promotes Indian handicrafts in international markets.

Holy City Status and Sikh Heritage
29-12-2025
Source: IE
Why in News?
Punjab has officially declared Amritsar, Anandpur Sahib, and Talwandi Sabo as holy cities due to their deep Sikh heritage, as each hosts one of the faith’s five Takhts.
- This designation aims to develop these cities as key religious and cultural centers by enforcing a ban on the sale of liquor, tobacco, cigarettes, and meat within city limits to preserve their sanctity.
Summary
- Punjab has declared Amritsar, Anandpur Sahib, and Talwandi Sabo as holy cities due to their deep Sikh heritage, as each hosts one of the faith’s five Takhts.
- Sikhism, founded by Guru Nanak Dev Ji, emphasizes monotheism, equality, and ethics, with institutions like Gurdwaras, Takhts, the SGPC, and the Khalsa Panth central to its practice and governance.
What is Sikhism?
- Core Tenets and Origins: Founded by Guru Nanak Dev Ji in the 15th century in Punjab, Sikhism is a monotheistic religion that evolved through ten Gurus and was influenced by Bhakti and Sufi traditions.
- It emphasizes devotion to one God, ethical living (Seva), and equality.
- Sikhs form the Khalsa, established by Guru Gobind Singh in 1699, who adhere to a code of conduct and wear the Five Ks (Kesh, Kangha, Kara, Kachera, Kirpan).
- Sacred Texts and Key Institutions: The primary scripture is the Guru Granth Sahib (written in Gurmukhi), considered the eternal Guru. The Dasam Granth is a supplementary text.
- The Gurdwara is the Sikh place of worship and community service, open to all.
- The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) is the apex elected body managing major Gurdwaras.
- The Khalsa Panth is the collective body of the Sikh community.
- Five Takhts (Seats of Authority): The 5 Takhts guide Sikh religious and temporal affairs.
- Akal Takht (Amritsar, Punjab): The supreme seat, established by Guru Hargobind Singh in 1606, symbolizing the union of temporal (Miri) and spiritual (Piri) authority.
- Takht Sri Keshgarh Sahib (Anandpur Sahib, Punjab): Site where Guru Gobind Singh founded the Khalsa.
- Takht Sri Patna Sahib (Patna, Bihar): Birthplace of Guru Gobind Singh.
- Takht Sachkhand Hazur Sahib (Nanded, Maharashtra): Where Guru Gobind Singh was cremated.
- Takht Sri Damdama Sahib (Talwandi Sabo, Punjab): Where Guru Gobind Singh finalized the Guru Granth Sahib.
- Historical Reform Movement: The Gurdwara Reform (Akali) Movement (1920) sought to free Sikh shrines from corrupt mahants.
- It led to the formation of the SGPC (1920) and the Sikh Gurdwaras Act, 1925, granting Sikhs legal control over their Gurdwaras.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the significance of the five Takhts in Sikhism?
The five Takhts are seats of temporal and spiritual authority. The Akal Takht in Amritsar is the supreme seat, symbolizing Miri-Piri (temporal-spiritual unity), while the others are linked to key events in Guru Gobind Singh's life.
2. Who founded Sikhism and when?
Guru Nanak Dev Ji founded Sikhism in the 15th century in Punjab, emphasizing monotheism, equality, and ethical living.
3. What are the Five Ks in Sikhism?
Kesh, Kangha, Kara, Kachera, and Kirpan — worn by Khalsa Sikhs as symbols of faith, discipline, and identity.
UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Questions (PYQs)
Q. Consider the following Bhakti Saints: (2013)
- Dadu Dayal
- Guru Nanak
- Tyagaraja
Who among the above was/were preaching when the Lodi dynasty fell and Babur took over?
(a) 1 and 3
(b) 2 only
(c) 2 and 3
(d) 1 and 2
Ans: (b)
Sujalam Bharat Summit 2025
29-11-2025
Source: PIB
The Ministry of Jal Shakti will host the Vision for Sujalam Bharat Summit 2025 in New Delhi, marking a major national effort to create a unified and practical water security framework.
- Origin: It was conceived in line with the Prime Minister's vision of organising Summits that bring together Central and State officers as well as junior cadres.
- Objective: To accelerate water sustainability in India by promoting evidence-based policy making, sectoral reforms, and cooperative federalism in water governance.
- Scope: Encompasses 6 critical thematic areas:
- Rejuvenation of Rivers and Springs: Wetland restoration, catchment protection, and community river stewardship.
- Greywater Management: Circular water use, pricing models, nature-based solutions, and septage treatment.
- Technology-driven Water Management: AI-based monitoring, micro-irrigation, leak detection, and precision agriculture.
- Water Conservation: Aquifer recharge, traditional water systems, and LiFE-aligned behavioural change.
- Sustainable Drinking Water Supply: Climate-resilient systems, source sustainability, and community-based operations and maintenance.
- Community Engagement: Empowering PRIs, SHGs, and local bodies for long-term sustainability of water assets.
- National Priorities Identified: The Ministry consolidated inputs into five national priorities: source sustainability, groundwater recharge, modern & nature-based solutions, stronger community institutions, and inter-departmental convergence.
- Significance: It adopts a whole-of-government approach, linking policymakers and implementers to turn strategy into effective action, propelling the nation faster towards the shared goal of a truly Sujalam and Sustainable Bharat.
India Advances Quantum Technology
29-11-2025
Source: PIB
Why in News?
The Union Minister of Science & Technology visited the Quantum Research Laboratories at IIT Bombay and inaugurated the Institute’s new Liquid Helium Facility, marking a major step in India’s quantum science, cryogenics, and advanced materials.
What are the Key Advancements in India’s Quantum Research?
- Liquid Helium Facility: It lays the foundation for indigenous dilution refrigeration units for ultra-low temperature quantum computing and boosts India’s capabilities in cryogenics, superconductivity, quantum computing, sensing, photonics, healthcare (e.g., MRI), and green energy.
- Quantum computing depends on dilution refrigerators at ultra-low temperatures (below –272°C), and the Liquid Helium Facility enables indigenous units, key to India’s technological self-reliance.
- Helium turns into liquid helium at its extremely low boiling point (-268.93°C), creating the cryogenic conditions needed for superconductivity, superfluidity, and quantum computing, crucial for quantum research.
- QMagPI (Portable Magnetometer): QMagPI is India’s 1st portable magnetometer, measuring ultra-low nanotesla (nT) magnetic fields for defense, strategic sectors, mineral exploration, and research, making India one of the few nations with this technology.
- Quantum Diamond Microscope (QDM): India’s first indigenous QDM, developed by IIT Bombay, enables nanoscale 3D magnetic field imaging. With AI/ML integration, it advances neuroscience, materials research, and next-generation chip testing, bolstering India’s technological leadership.
- Q-Confocal System: The Q-Confocal system, a homegrown confocal microscope, detects intracellular changes like Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS), aiding early-stage cancer diagnostics.
- A confocal microscope is an advanced optical instrument that uses a pinhole to block out-of-focus light, producing sharp, high-resolution images with enhanced clarity and contrast.
What is Quantum Technology?
- About: Quantum Technology refers to advanced technologies that utilize the principles of quantum mechanics—such as superposition, entanglement, and tunneling—to perform tasks that are impossible or highly inefficient with classical technologies.
- Core Principles:
- Superposition: Quantum particles (e.g., electrons or photons) can occupy multiple states at once until measured.
- Entanglement: Two or more quantum particles can become strongly correlated, so the state of one instantly influences the other, even across distances.
- Quantum Tunneling & Coherence: Particles can pass through energy barriers and maintain a stable quantum state, allowing precise computation and sensing.
- Conventional Vs Quantum Computing: Conventional computers process information in bits, representing either 0 or 1 at a time, based on classical physics.
- In contrast, quantum computers use qubits (quantum bits), which follow atomic-scale quantum behavior and probabilistic principles, allowing them to perform tasks beyond the capabilities of classical, deterministic systems.
- Applications:
- Pharmaceuticals: Quantum computers simulate molecular behavior and protein folding, accelerating drug development for diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.
- Disaster Management: Quantum applications improve prediction of tsunamis, droughts, earthquakes, and floods and streamline climate change data collection.
- Secure Communication: Quantum satellites like China’s Micius enable ultra-secure communication, vital for military and cybersecurity.
- Quantum Cryptography: Provides unbreakable encryption, protecting sensitive data against future quantum computing threats.
- National Quantum Mission: It is a flagship initiative by the Ministry of Science & Technology promoting quantum research, development, and applications from 2023–24 to 2030–31.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q. What is Quantum Technology?
Quantum Technology uses quantum mechanics principles such as superposition, entanglement, and tunneling to perform tasks beyond the capabilities of classical technologies.
Q. How does the Q-Confocal System contribute to healthcare?
It detects intracellular changes, including Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS), enabling early-stage cancer diagnostics and real-time disease research.
Q. What is the National Quantum Mission (NQM)?
Launched by the Ministry of Science & Technology (2023–24 to 2030–31), it promotes quantum research, development, and applications across strategic and scientific sectors.
UPSC Civil Services Examination Previous Year Question (PYQ)
Prelims
Q. Which one of the following is the context in which the term "qubit" is mentioned?(2022)
(a) Cloud Services
(b) Quantum Computing
(c) Visible Light Communication Technologies
(d) Wireless Communication Technologies
Ans: (b)
Tewary Commission Report on Nellie Massacre
29-11-2025
Source: IE
The 1983 Nellie Massacre, during the Assam Agitation (1979–1985), has returned to public focus after the Assam government released the Tewary Commission Report, shedding new light on the tragedy.
- The commission found that the tragedy was avoidable, but delayed action, ignored intelligence, and poor coordination allowed the violence to spiral out of control.
Assam Agitation (Assam Movement)
- About: The Assam Agitation, driven by fears of losing indigenous Assamese cultural, linguistic, and political identity, focused on identifying and expelling illegal immigrants, mainly from Bangladesh.
- It was led by the All Assam Students' Union (AASU) and focused on the Three Ds: detecting immigrants who arrived after 1951, deleting their names from voter rolls, and deporting them from India.
- Outcome: The unrest eventually led to the Assam Accord of 1985, signed by the Centre, the state government, and movement leaders. The key clauses of the Assam Accord were:
- It officially set 25th March, 1971, as the cut-off date for detecting illegal foreigners.
- Anyone who entered Assam between 1st January, 1966, and 24th March, 1971, would be detected as a foreigner and would have their name deleted from the voter list for 10 years, after which their citizenship rights would be restored.
- Anyone who entered on or after 25th March, 1971, would be detected and deported.
Operation Sagar Bandhu
29-11-2025
Source:IE
India has initiated Operation Sagar Bandhu to deliver humanitarian assistance to Sri Lanka after Cyclone Ditwah triggered massive floods and landslides.
- Cyclone Ditwah is a tropical storm that rapidly formed over the southwest Bay of Bengal.
- The name Ditwah was contributed by Yemen, following the regional naming system for North Indian Ocean cyclones.
- Operation Sagar Bandhu: India rushed relief using INS Vikrant, INS Udaigiri, and an IAF C-130J carrying tents, blankets, food, hygiene kits, and tarpaulins.
- India has consistently acted as a first responder in the Indian Ocean region, especially for Sri Lanka, extending support during the MV XPress Pearl ship-fire disaster in 2021 and providing assistance during Cyclone Roanu (2016).
- The mission aligns with India’s Neighbourhood First policy and Vision MAHASAGAR, reinforcing India’s role as a reliable first responder in the Indian Ocean region.
- India and HADR: India has positioned itself as a global first responder in Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR), delivering swift support during major international crises through missions like Operation Maitri in Nepal, Operation Samudra Maitri in Indonesia, and Operation Dost in Türkiye and Syria.
- Its leadership is further reinforced through bilateral and regional HADR exercises such as PANEX-21 with BIMSTEC nations and Samanvay-22 with ASEAN countries, strengthening preparedness, coordination, and regional disaster response capacity.
Vaquita Porpoise
29-08-2025
Source: DTE
A new report has highlighted that only about 10 vaquita porpoise, the world’s rarest marine mammal, remain in the Gulf of California (Sea of Cortez), Mexico.
- Their numbers have plummeted due to entanglement in illegal gillnets used for catching totoaba (an endangered fish prized for its swim bladder).
Vaquita Porpoise (Phocoena sinus)
- About: The vaquita porpoise (little cow in Spanish), is the world’s most endangered marine mammal discovered in 1958.
- Porpoises are the smallest members of the cetacean family (whales, dolphins, porpoises) and are distant relatives of dolphins, diverging around 15 million years ago.
- Habitat: Marine, restricted to the northern Gulf of California (Sea of Cortez), Mexico, mostly in shallow waters up to 50 m deep.
- Physical Characteristics: Vaquitas have dark rings around the eyes, dark patches on lips stretching to the fins. Newborns are darker with a gray fringe.
- Their large dorsal fin helps release body heat in warm waters.
- Behavior: Shy and usually stay near the shore. They avoid boats and are mostly solitary or in very small groups, unlike other cetaceans that travel in large pods.
- Threats: Bycatch in illegal gillnets set for the vulnerable totoaba fish.
- Protection Status:

UN Declares Famine in Gaza
29-08-2025
Source: TH
The United Nations has officially declared a famine in Gaza, marking the first famine in West Asia, with over half a million people facing extreme hunger due to conflict and restricted access to food.
- Famine: The Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) defines Famine as a situation in which at least one in five households has an extreme lack of food and face starvation and destitution, resulting in extremely critical levels of acute malnutrition and death.
- IPC Phase 5 is the highest phase of the IPC Acute Food Insecurity scale, and is attributed when an area has at least 20% of households, acute malnutrition in at least 30% of children under five, and mortality of at least two per 10,000 people daily.
- Cause: Sharp escalation of Israel-Hamas conflict, massive displacement, and severe restriction of humanitarian and commercial food supplies.
Gaza Strip
- The Gaza Strip is a coastal territory in West Asia, approximately 41 km long and 10 km-wide territory, situated northeast of the Sinai Peninsula.
- It borders Israel to the north and east, Egypt to the southwest, and the Mediterranean Sea to the west.
- The Gaza Strip remains a strategically important and densely populated enclave, central to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, with ongoing humanitarian, political, and security challenges.

PM SVANidhi 2.0
29-08-2025
Source: PIB
The Union Cabinet has approved the restructuring and extension of the Prime Minister Street Vendor’s AtmaNirbhar Nidhi (PM SVANidhi) Scheme, until 31st March 2030 with an aim to benefit 1.15 crore street vendors, including 50 lakh new beneficiaries.
- PM SVANidhi Scheme: Launched by the Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs (MoHUA) in 2020. It aims to support street vendors affected by the Covid-19 pandemic by providing working capital loans to restart their businesses and promoting financial inclusion and digital transactions.
- PM SVANidhi offers interest subsidy on timely loan repayment, cashback for digital transactions, and eligibility for enhanced next tranche of loans.
- 'SVANidhi se Samriddhi' component under PM SVANidhi provides social security benefits to street vendors.
- As of July 2025, over 96 lakh loans worth Rs 13,797 crore were disbursed to 68 lakh street vendors.
- The scheme won the Prime Minister’s Award for Excellence in Public Administration (2023) for innovation and the Silver Award for Government Process Re-engineering (2022) for digital transformation.
- PM SVANidhi 2.0: Implementation of the scheme would be the joint responsibility of MoHUA and Department of Financial Services (DFS).
- Enhanced loan amounts across first and second tranches, providing greater working capital.
- Provides UPI-linked RuPay Credit Card for vendors who have repaid the second loan, ensuring quick access to credit for business or personal needs.
- Expanded coverage beyond statutory towns to census towns and peri-urban areas in a graded manner.
- ‘SVANidhi se Samriddhi’ initiative will be strengthened further through monthly Lok Kalyan Melas to ensure beneficiaries access multiple government schemes.
- The scheme focuses on building vendors’ capacity in entrepreneurship, digital skills, and food safety in partnership with Food Safety and Standards Authority of India.
UN Charts New Path for Global AI Governance
29-08-2025
Source: DTE
The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) has launched the Independent International Scientific Panel on Artificial intelligence (AI) and the Global Dialogue on AI Governance, marking a key step to harness AI benefits while managing its risks.
- Global Dialogue on AI Governance: It will provide an inclusive platform within the United Nations for states and stakeholders to discuss the critical issues concerning AI facing humanity today.
- Independent International Scientific Panel on AI: It acts as a bridge between AI research and policymaking. Provides rigorous, independent scientific assessments to anticipate challenges and guide global AI regulation.
- It will present its annual reports at the Global Dialogue on AI Governance in 2026 (Geneva) and 2027 (New York).
AI Governance in India
- India currently lacks a dedicated AI law. It is regulated through existing frameworks like the Information Technology Act of 2000 (cybercrimes, intermediary liability), Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023 (data privacy), and Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) laws (AI-generated works).
- NITI Aayog’s National Strategy on Artificial Intelligence, 2018 guides AI Research and Development in healthcare, agriculture, education, smart cities, and mobility, while its Principles for Responsible AI (2021) address ethical AI deployment.
- India is active in global AI forums. It hosted the Global Partnership on Artificial Intelligence (GPAI) Summit in 2023, co-chaired the AI Action Summit with France in 2025, and will host the AI Impact Summit in 2026.
IMF Classifies India’s Exchange Rate Regime to a Crawl-Like Arrangement
28-11-2025
Source: FE
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has reclassified India’s de facto exchange rate regime from a “stabilised” system to a crawl-like arrangement.
- A crawl-like arrangement implies the exchange rate stays within a 2% band around a trend for at least six months, meaning it is not fully floating.
- A floating exchange rate is determined by market forces and fluctuates freely, while a fixed exchange rate is set and maintained by a government or central bank
- India currently uses a managed float system, where the RBI intervenes in the market to manage extreme fluctuations while allowing the market to determine the general trend.
- The classification is based on the IMF’s Articles of Agreement and its Article IV surveillance of exchange arrangements, which assesses the currency’s actual movement and the policy commitment to a specific exchange rate path.
- A crawl-like arrangement differs slightly from the IMF’s “crawling peg.” While a crawling peg involves small, pre-announced adjustments based on defined indicators (such as inflation differentials), a crawl-like arrangement is classified by the IMF based on how the exchange rate actually behaves, even when no formal crawling policy has been declared.
- IMF’s Articles of Agreement: Adopted at United Nations Monetary and Financial Conference in 1944, they serve as the organization’s founding charter and have been ratified by 190 member countries, including India.
- They define the IMF’s purpose, governance structure, member obligations, and rules of operation, including those on Special Drawing Rights.
- The Articles mandate key IMF functions such as global monetary surveillance, lending to countries in need, and providing technical assistance.

3rd India-Indonesia Defence Ministers’ Dialogue
28-11-2025
Source: AIR
India’s Defence Minister co-chaired the third India-Indonesia Defence Ministers' Dialogue with the Indonesian Defence Minister in New Delhi. The dialogue assessed regional security, addressed multilateral issues, and identified new defence cooperation avenues, highlighting the strengthening strategic commitment between India and Indonesia.
- Key Outcomes:
- Indo-Pacific Cooperation: India and Indonesia reaffirmed commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific, noting alignment between the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific and India’s Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative.
- They agreed to deepen cooperation in maritime awareness, cyber resilience, and through multilateral bodies like the Indian Ocean Rim Association.
- Defence and Industry Collaboration: Indonesia welcomed India’s proposal to set up a Joint Defence Industry Cooperation Committee to strengthen technology transfer, joint research and development, certification harmonisation, and supply-chain linkages.
- Military-to-Military Engagements: India and Indonesia highlighted the progress in joint exercises across land, maritime, and air forces, including Super Garuda Shield, Ex Garuda Shakti, Ex Samudra Shakti, MILAN, and upcoming Air Manoeuvre Exercises.
- India-Indonesia Relations:
- Indonesia’s strategic location in the Indo-Pacific, overseeing vital sea lanes like the Malacca, Sunda, and Lombok Straits, makes it an essential partner for maritime security and regional trade flow.
- Bilateral trade between India and Indonesia reached USD 38.8 billion in 2022–23, underscoring the depth of their economic engagement.
- Prospects such as the USD 450 million BrahMos missile deal and expanding defence collaboration further reflect the strengthening economic and strategic ties between the two countries.

Google’s AI C2S-Scale
28-10-2025
Source: IE
Google DeepMind’s AI model Cell2Sentence-Scale 27B (C2S-Scale) produced a new, lab-confirmed hypothesis on cancer cell behavior, marking a breakthrough in AI-driven drug discovery and biological research.
C2S-Scale Model
- About: C2S-Scale is a large language model (LLM) built on Google's Gemma-2 architecture, trained to understand gene expression as a language.
- With 27 billion parameters, the model can capture subtle relationships among genes, cells, and tissues, reflecting AI “scaling laws”—where larger models gain emergent abilities that smaller models lack.
- Working: It translates single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) data and interprets biological functions as ‘cell sentences’, learning patterns from millions of cells to understand cellular functions.
- Breakthrough: The AI hypothesized that the drug silmitasertib could act as a conditional amplifier, making cancer cells more visible to the immune system only in the presence of low interferon.
- Significance: C2S-Scale enables in-silico (computer-based) screening at unmatched speed and scale, accelerating scientific discovery.

Google DeepMind
- About: It is an Alphabet-owned AI research lab dedicated to achieving Artificial General Intelligence (AGI) and applying it to solve complex challenges in science, healthcare, and climate change.
- Achievements: Its notable breakthroughs include AlphaFold for protein structure prediction, AlphaGo for strategic reasoning, and the Gemini large language models.
Project 17A: INS Himgiri & INS Udaygiri
28-08-2025
Source: IE
Two advanced Project 17A multi-mission stealth frigates, INS Udaygiri and INS Himgiri have been commissioned, marking a significant step in India's naval modernization
- Project 17A: P17A ships feature enhanced stealth capabilities compared to their predecessors P17 (Shivalik) class, with improvements in hull design and weapon systems.
- The design incorporates ‘State of the Art’ weapons and sensors that include supersonic surface-to-surface missiles, medium-range surface-to-air missiles, and rapid-fire Close-in Weapon Systems.
- These multi-mission frigates are designed to operate in a ‘Blue Water’ environment, meaning they can handle both conventional and non-conventional threats within India's maritime interests.
- An Integrated Platform Management System (IPMS) is also installed to optimize the ship’s functionality and crew coordination.
- INS Himgiri: First P-17A stealth frigate built by Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE).
- INS Udaygiri: Second P-17A stealth frigate built by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Ltd (MDL), also the 100th ship designed by Navy’s Warship Design Bureau.
- Capabilities: Equipped with BrahMos missiles, Barak-8 missiles, LRSAM, torpedoes, rocket launchers, advanced radars, and Shakti Electronic Warfare Suite.
- Legacy names: Both ships revive historic names of earlier INS Udaygiri (1976) and INS Himgiri (1974), which played key roles in Operation Pawan, Operation Cactus, Operation Sahayata and others.
Typhoon Kajiki
28-08-2025
Source: HT
Typhoon Kajiki struck Vietnam’s coastal provinces, resulting in extensive flooding, significant crop losses, and multiple fatalities.
- It originated over the Philippines, strengthened over the South China Sea and hit China & Vietnam, as a Category 2 storm on Saffir-Simpson (SS) Scale.
- Typhoons are tropical cyclones originating from western Pacific Ocean, particularly in Southeast Asia & China.
Vietnam
- Vietnam (capital Hanoi) is a Southeast Asian country bordered by China to the north, Laos and Cambodia to the west, and the South China Sea to the east.
- Mekong (south) and the Red River (north) are its key rivers that flow into the South China Sea & Annamite Cordillera is a major mountain range.
- Vietnam gained independence from French colonial rule on 2 September 1945.

Integrated Air Drop Test for Gaganyaan Mission
28-08-2025
Source: TH
Why in News?
Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) successfully conducted its first Integrated Air Drop Test (IADT-1) for the Gaganyaan mission.
- IADT-1 aimed to validate the performance of the parachute-based deceleration system for the Crew Module (CM) of the Gaganyaan mission in a real-world scenario.
- The test involved collaborations between ISRO, Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), the Indian Air Force, Indian Navy, and Indian Coast Guard.
What is Gaganyaan Mission?
- Overview: India’s first human spaceflight program, aiming to send a crew of 3 astronauts to Low Earth Orbit (LEO) at 400 km for 3 days and return them safely to Earth.
- Mission Phases: Includes two unmanned test missions followed by the first manned mission expected to happen in early 2027.
- Significance: Gaganyaan success will place India among the elite group of nations (US, Russia, China) with human spaceflight capability.
- Crew training for Gaganyaan: Group Captain Prasanth Balakrishnan Nair, Group Captain Ajit Krishnan, Group Captain Angad Pratap, and Wing Commander Shubhanshu Shukla are India’s astronauts-designated for Gaganyaan.
- Key Technologies for Crew Safety:
- Human-Rated Launch Vehicle (HLVM3): It is a modified version of ISRO's LVM3 rocket. It includes solid, liquid, and cryogenic stages, re-configured to meet human rating requirements.
- The rocket is capable of launching the Orbital Module to a Low Earth Orbit (400 km) and features a Crew Escape System (CES) with high burn rate solid motors to ensure crew safety during emergencies at launch or ascent.
- CES ensures safe abort in case of emergencies during launch or ascent.
- Orbital Module (OM): Houses the Crew Module (CM) and Service Module (SM) with life support, avionics, and propulsion systems.
- The CM is a habitable space with an Earth-like environment, with a pressurized inner structure and unpressurized external structure. It houses crew interfaces, life support systems, and avionics, and is designed for re-entry.
- The SM supports the CM in orbit, providing thermal, propulsion, power systems, avionics, and deployment mechanisms, but remains unpressurized.
- Mission Preparatory Tests:
- Integrated Air Drop Test (IADT): Validate parachute and deceleration systems.
- Test Vehicle Missions (TV): Test abort and launch systems.
- Pad Abort Test (PAT): Check crew module safety from various altitudes.
- Water Survival Test Facility (WSTF): Recovery trials with Navy support.
UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Question (PYQ)
Prelims
Q. With reference to India’s satellite launch vehicles, consider the following statements: (2018)
- PSLVs launch the satellites useful for Earth resources monitoring whereas GSLVs are designed mainly to launch communication satellites.
- Satellites launched by PSLV appear to remain permanently fixed in the same position in the sky, as viewed from a particular location on Earth.
- GSLV Mk III is a four-staged launch vehicle with the first and third stages using solid rocket motors; and the second and fourth stages using liquid rocket engines.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3
(c) 1 and 2
(d) 3 only
Ans: (a)
Q. Consider the following statements: (2016)
- The Mangalyaan launched by ISRO is also called the Mars Orbiter Mission
- made India the second country to have a spacecraft orbit the Mars after USA
- made India the only country to be successful in making its spacecraft orbit the Mars in its very first attempt
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Ans: (c)
Mains
Q. India has achieved remarkable successes in unmanned space missions including the Chandrayaan and Mars Orbiter Mission, but has not ventured into manned space mission. What are the main obstacles to launching a manned space mission, both in terms of technology and logistics? Examine critically. (2017)
Financial Conditions Index
28-07-2025
Source: IE
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has proposed a daily-frequency Financial Conditions Index (FCI) to assess India’s financial market health in real-time to aid policymakers and analysts.
- Objective: The FCI will serve as a composite indicator to measure tight or easy financial conditions relative to historical average since 2012.
- Components: The FCI tracks 20 financial market indicators across money markets, government securities (G-Secs), corporate bonds, equities, and forex markets.
- Positive values of the standardised FCI indicate tighter conditions, while negative values suggest easier financial conditions.
- Trends: During the RBI's sample period, the tightest financial conditions were recorded in July 2013 (taper tantrum, FCI at 2.826) driven by bond and forex market stress, while the easiest conditions occurred in June 2021 (post-Covid, FCI at -2.197) due to the RBI’s liquidity measures.
- A taper tantrum refers to a sudden spike in interest rates, triggered by investors' concerns that a central bank may begin scaling back its bond-buying program (quantitative easing).
- Significance: This initiative highlights India’s commitment to indigenous macro-financial research and real-time policy planning.
RGI Directives on Birth Certificates
28-06-2025
Source: TH
The Registrar General of India (under the Ministry of Home Affairs) has directed all States to ensure birth certificates are issued within 7 days of registration, preferably before discharging newborns from hospitals, especially in government facilities, which account for over 50% of institutional births in India.
- Birth registration: Birth registration in India has increased from 86% (2014) to over 96% (2024).
- Legal Framework for Birth Registration: It is governed by the Registration of Births and Deaths (RBD) Act, 1969, with no fee if done within 21 days.
- Legal provisions now ensure registration of adopted, orphaned, abandoned, surrendered, and surrogate children, as well as those of single parents or unmarried mothers.
- The 2023 amendment made digital registration mandatory and recognized electronic documents as official.
- Governance Implications: From 1st October 2023, digital birth certificates became the sole proof of date of birth for school admissions, government jobs, marriage registrations, and issuance of driving licenses and passports.
- Global Commitments: It aligns with United Nations’ Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP)’s Civil Registration and Vital Statistics Decade (2014–2024) goal to “Get everyone in the picture” and supports SDG Target 16.9: “By 2030, provide legal identity for all, including birth registration.”
Male Mahadeshwara Hills Wildlife Sanctuary
28-06-2025
Source: TOI
A tigress and her four cubs were found dead in Karnataka’s Male Mahadeshwara Hills (MM Hills) Wildlife Sanctuary, suspected to have been poisoned amid escalating human-wildlife conflict.
Male Mahadeshwara Hills Wildlife Sanctuary
- About: It is located in Chamarajanagar district, southeast Karnataka, near the Tamil Nadu border, and was declared a wildlife sanctuary in 2013.
- Its topography includes mainly dry deciduous forests, along with patches of moist deciduous, semi-evergreen, evergreen, and shola forests at varying altitudes.
- Ecological Importance: It is contiguous with Biligiri Rangaswamy Temple (BRT) Tiger Reserve and Cauvery Wildlife Sanctuary in Karnataka, and Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve in Tamil Nadu, forming a critical tiger corridor between the two states.
- It is home to tigers, leopards, elephants, apart from a rich density of prey species.
- Tiger Reserve Status: The proposal to upgrade MM Hills to a Tiger Reserve has been pending for nearly 15 years. If approved, Chamarajanagar will become the first district in India to host 3 tiger reserves—Bandipur, BRT, and MM Hills.
- Karnataka has the second-largest tiger population in India (563 tigers) after Madhya Pradesh (785 tigers).
- Human Settlements: The region is home to two dominant communities: the Soligas, indigenous former hunter-gatherers, and the Lingayats, temple priests from Mysore engaged in temple management.

Review of Project Elephant
28-06-2025
Source: IE
The Union Environment Ministry reviewed key initiatives under Project Elephant (1992) , highlighting the completion of Phase-I of the synchronized elephant population estimation in Northeastern states.
Key Highlights of Project Elephant Review
- Mortality Mitigation Measures: Railway tracks were surveyed to identify high-risk zones for mitigating elephant-train collisions, which have resulted in 73 elephant deaths between 2019 and 2024.
- Genetic Profiling & Conservation: Created a genetic profile of captive elephants.
- Conflict Management: Regional action plans to prevent human-elephant conflict in Southern and Northeastern India by protecting elephant corridors.
Elephants
- About: Elephants, India's National Heritage Animal, are matriarchal and live in female-led groups.
- As keystone species and ecosystem engineers, they maintain forest health by dispersing seeds and creating water access for other species.
- Species:
- Asian Elephant (Elephas maximus)
- African Elephants:
- Savannah Elephant (Loxodonta africana)
- Forest Elephant (Loxodonta cyclotis)
- Population in India: Indian elephants (Elephas maximus indicus), a subspecies of Asian elephants, account for around 60% of the global Asian elephant population.
- As per the 2017 census, India hosts approximately 29,964 elephants.
- Karnataka recorded the highest elephant population, followed by Assam and Kerala.
- In terms of protected areas, Sathyamangalam forest division has the highest number of elephants.
- Conservation Status:
- Key Initiatives:

Impact of Climate Change on Global Food Production
28-06-2025
Source: TH
A study warns that every 1°C rise in global temperatures will lead to a 4% reduction in per capita calorie availability by 2100, severely impacting staple crops like wheat, rice, maize, and soybean.
- The study differs from previous research by factoring in farmer adaptation, including the use of heat-resistant crop varieties and adjustments to sowing and watering schedules.
Key Findings
- Farmer adaptation through measures like heat-resistant crops and adjusted sowing/irrigation could reduce losses by 23% (2050) and 34% (2100), but losses remain severe, except for rice.
- Between 2050–2100, wheat yields may drop by 30–40% in China, Russia, the US, and Canada, with northern India worst affected.
- Rice may see mixed effects in India and Southeast Asia, but over 50% losses in Sub-Saharan Africa and Europe, while maize and soybean face significant global declines.
- Losses affect not only poor countries but also modern breadbaskets like the US, Europe, and China, highlighting the urgent need for innovation, cropland expansion, and climate-resilient practices.
Indian Navy's First Training Squadron Visits Thailand
28-01-2026
Source: PIB
Indian Navy’s First Training Squadron (1TS) (INS Tir, INS Shardul, INS Sujata, and ICGS Sarathi) docked at Phuket Deep Sea Port, marking a training deployment to Southeast Asia and underscoring the growing maritime partnership between India and Thailand aimed at regional security and stability.
SAMPANN–UMANG Integration
28-01-2026
Source: PIB
The SAMPANN (System for Accounting and Management of Pension) pension management system has been integrated with the UMANG(Unified Mobile Application for New-age Governance) platform to provide digital access to key pension services for telecom pensioners.
- UMANG operates as a single unified platform under the Digital India initiative, offering Central, State, and Local government services via Android, iOS, and web.
SAMPANN
- About: SAMPANN is a flagship digital pension platform developed and operated by the Office of the Controller General of Communication Accounts, dedicated to pension administration and financial management.
- Launched nationally in December 2018, SAMPANN represents a shift from system-centric to pensioner-centric governance by eliminating the need for physical visits.
- Key Feature: The platform digitises the entire pension lifecycle, including case processing, e-Pension Payment Order (PPO) issuance, payment disbursal, accounting, grievance redressal, and reporting.
- Objective of Integration: The initiative aims to enhance ease of access, transparency, and seamless delivery of pension-related information through a unified digital platform.
- This integration ensures round-the-clock availability of essential pension information, reducing dependency on physical offices.
- Core Services Enabled: Pensioners can now retrieve their Pension Payment Order (PPO) number and check Life Certificate (LC) validity status through the UMANG mobile app or web portal.
- DigiLocker Linkage: The integration is supported by DigiLocker connectivity, strengthening secure digital access to pension records and official documents.
OMO Purchases and Dollar–Rupee Swap
27-12-2025
Source: TH
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has announced a dual intervention comprising Open Market Operation (OMO) purchases of government securities and a Dollar-Rupee buy/sell swap auction.
Summary
- Open Market Operations are RBI’s buying and selling of government securities to manage liquidity and money supply.
- Buying securities injects liquidity, while selling absorbs it.
- Rupee–dollar swaps involve RBI exchanging dollars and rupees with banks to manage liquidity while also influencing the exchange rate.
- RBI often uses both tools together to balance domestic liquidity, interest rates, and currency stability without relying on a single instrument.
What are Open Market Operations (OMOs)?
- Open Market Operations refer to the buying and selling of government securities by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) in the open market to regulate liquidity and money supply in the economy.
- Types:
- OMO Purchase: RBI buys G‑secs → injects rupee liquidity (expansionary).
- OMO Sale: RBI sells G‑secs → absorbs rupee liquidity (contractionary).

What are Rupee–Dollar Swap Operations?
- A Rupee–Dollar swap is a foreign exchange tool used by the RBI in which it exchanges US dollars for rupees with banks, with an agreement to reverse the transaction at a future date.
- Structure:
- Buy/sell swap: RBI buys dollars now (gives rupees) and agrees to sell the same dollars later → injects rupee liquidity now, withdraws it at maturity.
- Sell/buy swap: RBI sells dollars now (absorbs rupees) and buys them back later → sucks out rupee liquidity now, re‑injects later.
Why RBI uses Both Together?
- The RBI uses both tools simultaneously because they serve different but complementary purposes in managing liquidity, interest rates, and exchange rate stability.
- Short-term vs durable liquidity management: OMO helps RBI fine-tune liquidity permanently, while rupee–dollar swaps provide durable but reversible liquidity for longer periods.
- Separation of objectives: Using swaps allows RBI to inject rupee liquidity without directly altering domestic bond yields, while OMO directly influences the government securities market.
- Managing forex volatility alongside liquidity: Rupee–dollar swaps help stabilise the exchange rate and optimise forex reserves, while OMO focuses purely on domestic monetary conditions.
- Flexibility in monetary policy transmission: Together, they give RBI greater operational flexibility to control liquidity surplus/deficit without overusing a single instrument.
- Objectives: It aims to ease domestic liquidity, manage the inflated dollar rupee forward premium, and support the RBI's foreign exchange reserves, which have been depleted due to its recent market interventions.
- A forward premium means the future exchange rate is higher than the current rate, showing the market expects the rupee to weaken.
- A persistently high forward premium prompts importers to rush for dollars, further pushing up the premium and creating a negative sentiment loop around the rupee.
- Forex Pressure: This action follows substantial dollar sales by the RBI (e.g.,a net USD 11.88 billion in October 2025) to arrest the rupee's fall amid pressure from factors like U.S. tariffs.
Rabies in India
27-12-2025
Source: TH
Why in News?
A recent study by One Health has brought renewed attention to rabies in India, highlighting that the country alone accounts for nearly one-third of global rabies deaths, despite the disease being entirely preventable.
Summary
- India accounts for nearly one-third of global rabies deaths, mainly due to dog bites, affecting children and poor communities, despite the disease being fully preventable.
- Deaths persist due to systemic gaps such as delayed treatment, incomplete vaccination, RIG shortages, and weak dog population control, even with national programmes and a One Health approach in place.
What are the Key Findings of the Study on Rabies in India?
- Highest Global Burden: About 20,000 of the 59,000 rabies deaths worldwide each year occur in India, the highest for any single country. It is endemic to India.
- Free-roaming dogs are the main reservoir, with India recording around 20 million dog bites annually.
- Rabies as Disease of Poverty: The majority of victims are poor, marginalised populations living in areas with large numbers of free-roaming dogs and limited access to healthcare.
- Deaths occur not due to lack of medical knowledge, but because of delayed treatment, incomplete vaccination, and non-availability of rabies immunoglobulin (RIG).
- Over 20% of dog-bite victims receive no anti-rabies vaccine (ARV). Nearly half do not complete the full vaccination course, sharply increasing fatality risk.
- Scarce of RIG: RIG is life-saving but scarce, and expensive (Rs 5,000–Rs 20,000), and often unavailable in public hospitals.
- Children are Disproportionately Affected: Around 40% of rabies cases are in children under 15, reflecting exposure and delayed care.
- Dog Population Control Measures: Current Catch–Neuter–Vaccinate–Release strategies have limited impact due to high annual dog population turnover (~40%).
- In 2025, the Supreme Court of India directed States to remove stray dogs from public institutions, triggering debate over feasibility and animal welfare.
- Elimination is Feasible but Unmet: The study concludes that human rabies deaths are entirely preventable, and continued mortality reflects systemic failures in public health delivery, not scientific limitations.
What are the Key Facts About Rabies?
- About: Rabies is caused by the rabies virus, a neurotropic virus belonging to the Lyssavirus genus of the Rhabdoviridae family, which infects the central nervous system.
- Global burden: Rabies is causing about 59,000 deaths annually. Around 40% of victims are children under 15.
- Nature of the disease: Rabies is a viral, zoonotic, neglected tropical disease (NTD).
- It is 100% fatal once clinical symptoms appear.
- Main source of infection: Dogs cause about 99% of human rabies cases through bites and scratches. Other mammals can carry rabies, but human cases from wildlife are rare in most regions.
- Transmission: Spread through saliva via bites, scratches, or contact with broken skin or mucosa. Human-to-human transmission has never been confirmed.
- Prevention and Treatment: Rabies deaths are completely preventable with timely post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP).
- PEP includes:
- Immediate wound washing with soap and water (15 minutes)
- A full course of rabies vaccine
- Rabies immunoglobulin (RIG) or monoclonal antibodies for severe exposures
- Symptoms: Incubation period usually 2–3 months (can range from one week to one year).
- Two forms: Furious rabies (hydrophobia, hallucinations, hyperactivity, rapid death) & Paralytic rabies (gradual paralysis, often misdiagnosed).
- Once clinical symptoms appear, rabies is virtually 100% fatal.
- Economic Impact: Global cost estimated at US$ 8.6 billion per year, including healthcare costs, lost livelihoods, and social trauma. PEP can be financially catastrophic for poor households.
- Most Effective Control Strategy: Mass dog vaccination is the most cost-effective way to prevent human rabies. Culling free-roaming dogs is ineffective.
- Global goal: The World Health Organization and partners aim to end human deaths from dog-mediated rabies by 2030 using a One Health approach that links human health, animal health, and community awareness.
India’s Measures for Rabies Control in India
- National Rabies Control Programme (NRCP): Aims to reduce rabies deaths by strengthening surveillance, prevention, and management of animal bite cases nationwide.
- Integrated Health Information Platform (IHIP): Digital platform for real-time reporting and monitoring of animal bites and rabies-related deaths across States and UTs.
- National Health Mission (NHM): Provides financial and operational support to States for vaccines, training, IEC activities, and anti-rabies infrastructure.
- Ensures free availability of life-saving Anti-Rabies Vaccine (ARV) and Rabies Immunoglobulin (RIG) in public health facilities.
- National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) Rabies Activities: Supports awareness generation, laboratory strengthening, and development of guidelines and training material.
- National One Health Programme for Prevention and Control of Zoonosis: Integrates human and veterinary health systems to improve animal rabies diagnosis and coordinated disease control.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Why is rabies considered a major public health problem in India?
India accounts for about 20,000 of the 59,000 global rabies deaths annually, mainly due to dog bites, delayed treatment, and poor access to vaccines and RIG.
2. Which programme addresses rabies control in India?
The National Rabies Control Programme (NRCP) focuses on surveillance, prevention, free treatment, and capacity building under the National Health Mission.
3. What makes rabies almost always fatal?
Once the rabies virus reaches the central nervous system and symptoms appear, the disease is 100% fatal, with no effective cure.
UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Question (PYQ)
Q. Consider the following diseases: (2014)
- Diphtheria
- Chickenpox
- Smallpox
Which of the above diseases has/have been eradicated in India?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 3 only
(c) 1, 2 and 3
(d) None
Ans: (b)
Q. With reference to recent developments regarding ‘Recombinant Vector Vaccines’, consider the following statements: (2021)
- Genetic engineering is applied in the development of these vaccines.
- Bacteria and viruses are used as vectors.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Ans: (c)

India’s Iconic Bridges
27-12-2025
Source: PIB
India has built numerous bridges that are strategic and economic lifelines, connecting regions, navigating difficult terrains, and demonstrating engineering excellence.
- Atal Bihari Vajpayee Sewri-Nhava Sheva Atal Setu (Mumbai Trans Harbour Link – MTHL): Longest sea bridge in India, spanning 16.5 km over the sea and 5.5 km on land.
- Chenab Bridge (1,315 metres): World’s highest railway arch bridge (359 metres above the Chenab River).
- New Pamban Bridge (2.07 km): India’s first vertical lift railway sea bridge, connecting Rameswaram with the mainland. It has a 72.5-metre vertical lift section, allowing ships to pass without interrupting train movement.
- Dhola–Sadiya Bridge (Bhupen Hazarika Setu, 9.15 km): Connects Assam and eastern Arunachal Pradesh, providing the first permanent road link between northern Assam and eastern Arunachal Pradesh. It spans over the Lohit River, a major Brahmaputra tributary.
- Anji Khad Bridge (725 m): India’s first cable-stayed railway bridge, part of the Udhampur–Srinagar–Baramulla Rail Line. It spans the Anji River valley, situated 331 metres above the gorge.

India Tops Global Doping Violations in 2024
27-12-2025
Source: TOI
India has been named the world's worst doping offender for a 3rd straight year, with a record 260 violations in 2024 as per the WADA Annual Report 2024.
- Rising concerns about doping arise amid India’s preparations for the 2030 Commonwealth Games and 2036 Olympic bid, with the International Olympic Committee (IOC) flagging the issue during feasibility assessments.
- Other Countries’ Rankings in 2024: France (91), Italy (85), Russia & USA (76 each), Germany (54), China (43).
World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA)
- About: WADA, founded in 1999 by the International Olympic Committee (IOC), is the global independent authority tasked with promoting and coordinating the fight against doping in sports.
- Governance Model: Operates on a unique principle of equal partnership and funding between the global Sport Movement and Governments.
- Core Document: The World Anti-Doping Code is its fundamental charter, designed to harmonize anti-doping rules across all sports and nations for consistent athlete standards.
- Key Standard: It publishes the WADA Prohibited List, the international standard identifying banned substances and methods, which is updated annually.
- Operational Scope: The Prohibited List and Code apply to all scenarios—in-competition, out-of-competition, and for specific sports.
National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA)
- About: NADA is India's autonomous body, established in 2005, responsible for promoting and monitoring anti-doping in sports.
- Initiatives: It implements the Anti-Doping Program and conducts initiatives like the #PlayTrue Campaign to educate athletes and promote clean competition.

Subansiri Lower Hydroelectric Project
27-12-2025
Source:PIB
The Union Minister of Power, Housing & Urban Affairs inaugurated the commercial operation of Unit–2 (250 MW) of the Subansiri Lower Hydroelectric Project.
- Subansiri Lower Hydroelectric Project: Approved in 2003, it is a run-of-the-river hydropower project with an installed capacity of 2000 MW, making it India’s largest hydropower project once fully commissioned.
- It is located at Gerukamukh on the Assam–Arunachal Pradesh border and is implemented by National Hydroelectric Power Corporation (NHPC) Limited.
- Geographic Significance: The project built on the Subansiri River, the largest tributary of the Brahmaputra, is strategically important for water management, flood control, and energy security in the North-East.
- It will supply power to 16 beneficiary states, provide free power to Arunachal Pradesh and Assam, and allocate 1,000 MW to the North-East, strengthening regional power availability.
- Dam and Flood Management: The project has a 116-metre-high concrete gravity dam, the largest dam in North-East India. As the first cascaded dam on the Subansiri River, it helps reduce downstream flooding by providing a flood cushion of 442 million cubic metres.
- The dam has a gross reservoir storage of 1,365 million cubic metres, and one-third of this storage is kept empty during the flood season to safely absorb excess water and protect downstream areas.
- Engineering and Technological Significance: The project features India’s heaviest hydro generator rotors, largest stators and inlet valves, and the first use of the Rotec Tower Belt system in dam concreting, marking a major advance in high-capacity hydropower engineering.
Subansiri River
- The Subansiri River (Chayul Chu in Tibet) is a trans-Himalayan river and the largest tributary of the Brahmaputra River.
- Originating in the Tibetan Himalayas, it enters India near Taksing in Arunachal Pradesh, flows through the Miri Hills, and joins the Brahmaputra in Assam at Jamurighat.


SURYAKIRAN XIX – 2025
27-11-2025
Source:PIB
The 19th edition of the India–Nepal joint military exercise, SURYAKIRAN XIX – 2025, was held at Pithoragarh, Uttarakhand, to deepen military cooperation.
- SURYAKIRAN: The joint exercise first started in 2011. It aims to practice Sub-Conventional Operations under Chapter VII of the UN Mandate, crucial for peacekeeping and conflict-management missions.
- Training areas include Jungle Warfare, Counter-Terrorism in Mountain Terrain, Humanitarian Assistance & Disaster Relief (HADR), Medical Response, Environmental Conservation, and Integrated Ground–Aviation Operations.
- The 19th edition integrates emerging technologies, such as Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS), drone-based Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) AI-enabled decision tools, unmanned logistics platforms, and armoured protection systems.
India- Nepal Defence Relations
- Military Ties: The 1816 Treaty of Sugauli, an agreement between the Gurkha chiefs of Nepal and the British Indian government, ended the Anglo-Nepalese War (1814–16) and paved the way for Nepali recruitment into the Indian (erstwhile British Indian) Army.
- Treaty of Peace and Friendship 1950: The Treaty of Peace and Friendship 1950 granted national treatment to each other’s citizens in economic participation, property ownership, trade, residence, and movement.

Yuge Yugeen Bharat National Museum
27-10-2025
Source: IE
The first gallery of the Yuge Yugeen Bharat National Museum is expected to open by end-2026, the museum is set to become the largest in the world, replacing the existing National Museum.
Yuge Yugeen Bharat National Museum
- About: It is being developed by the Ministry of Culture as part of the Central Vista redevelopment project complementing initiatives like the PM Museum, National Archives Digitisation, and Cultural Mapping of India.
- It will be located in the North and South Block buildings of the Central Vista.
- It is themed on 5,000 years of Indian civilization, reflecting its perennial nature.
- Architecture and Design: Arcop Associates, led by principal architect Kulapat Yantrasast, has been chosen as the top bidder for design consultancy.
- Heritage Collection: It will feature rare objects from galleries nationwide and the existing collection of the current National Museum. E.g.,
- International Collaboration: India and France are jointly developing the Yuge Yugeen Bharat National Museum, leveraging France’s expertise in museum design and management.
China’s Wildlife Diplomacy
27-10-2025
Source: TOI
- China’s “Wildlife Diplomacy” has entered a new phase, with the loan of golden snub-nosed monkeys(Rhinopithecus roxellana) to European zoos (in France and Belgium) under a 10‑year agreement.
- These monkeys, unique to central China, are being positioned as new “animal ambassadors” potentially a successor to China’s famous panda diplomacy.
- China’s long‑standing use of animals as tools of diplomacy established the precedent for wildlife‑based engagement.
- China’s Panda Diplomacy: It began in 1957 when China gifted pandas to the Soviet Union, later sending them to the US in 1972.
- Lessons for India: India as a nation rich in biodiversity, India can examine the role of iconic species (e.g., Bengal tiger, Indian rhinoceros) in its cultural diplomacy and conservation partnerships.
Golden Snub-nosed Monkey

WTO Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies
27-09-2025
Source: ET
Why in News?
India is in the process of ratifying the World Trade Organization (WTO) Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies, positioning itself as a strong voice for sustainable fishing practices and the protection of small-scale fishers.
- The move comes amid global efforts to curb harmful subsidies that drive overfishing and threaten marine biodiversity.
What is the World Trade Organization (WTO) Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies?
- About: The WTO Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies is a binding multilateral agreement, aimed at promoting environmental sustainability and fair trade in global fisheries.
- It is the first WTO agreement focused on ocean governance and protecting marine resources. The agreement was adopted at WTO’s 12th Ministerial Conference in 2022 , under the Geneva Package; it entered into force in September 2025 after two-thirds of WTO members deposited their acceptance instruments.
- Key Objectives: Prohibit subsidies that contribute to overfishing, overcapacity, and depletion of fish stocks.
- Safeguard the livelihoods of millions dependent on fisheries for nutrition and income.
- Provide a level playing field by disciplining subsidies that distort competition.
- Key Features:
- Subsidy Prohibitions: Prohibits government support for illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing, fishing of overfished stocks, and fishing on unregulated high seas.
- Transparency Mechanism: WTO members must notify their subsidies and fishing activities for monitoring.
- Implementation Support: The WTO Fish Fund was established to aid developing countries and Least Developed Countries (LDCs) by providing technical support and funding.
- Committee on Fisheries Subsidies: Provides a forum for regular dialogue, compliance review, and technical assistance.
What is India’s Stance on WTO Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies?
- Protection for Small Fishers: India seeks policy space and exemptions to safeguard livelihoods of small-scale and artisanal fishers. India advocates for precise and effective Special and Differential Treatment (S&DT), including a 25-year transition period for developing countries and LDCs, compared to 5–7 years proposed by developed nations.
- Per Capita Subsidy Basis: India proposes that subsidy disciplines be calculated per fisher, not on total subsidy amounts, highlighting the disparity between high subsidies in developed countries (USD 76,000 per fisher) versus India (USD 35 per fisher).
- Stricter Rules for Historical Subsidisers: Calls for stricter rules targeting countries that have historically given high subsidies contributing to overfishing, while protecting nations with low-impact fisheries.
- Sustainability Focus: Emphasizes that rules should not penalize nations working toward sustainable fishing and should support long-term marine conservation.
What are India’s Initiatives and Schemes to Promote Sustainable Fisheries?
- Blue Revolution Scheme (2015-16): Focused on increasing fish production and productivity through aquaculture and marine fisheries development.
- Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY, 2020): PMMSY aimed at transforming the fisheries sector by enhancing productivity, creating jobs, and promoting sustainable practices.
- Fisheries and Aquaculture Infrastructure Development Fund (FIDF, 2018-19): Provides financial support for infrastructure development in marine and inland fisheries.
- National Policy on Marine Fisheries (NPMF, 2017): Ensures sustainable marine resource management and conservation of fish stocks.
- State Specific Marine Fishing Regulation Acts (MFRA): States like Maharashtra, Kerala regulate fishing in India’s Exclusive Economic Zone, including fishing bans and the prohibition of destructive practices.
- ICAR-Central Institute of Fisheries Education (CIFE): Provides education and research in sustainable fish farming and aquaculture practices.

UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Question (PYQ)
Prelims
Q. The terms ‘Agreement on Agriculture’, ‘Agreement on the Application of Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures’ and ‘Peace Clause’ appear in the news frequently in the context of the affairs of the (2015)
(a) Food and Agriculture Organization
(b) United Nations Framework Conference on Climate Change
(c) World Trade Organization
(d) United Nations Environment Programme
Ans: (c)
Mains:
Q. WTO is an important international institution where decisions taken affect countries in a profound manner. What is the mandate of WTO and how binding are their decisions? Critically analyse India’s stand on the latest round of talks on Food security. (2014)

National Initiative on Water Security
27-09-2025
Source:PIB
The Union Government has launched the National Initiative on Water Security under Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), 2005, prioritizing water conservation across rural India
- National Initiative on Water Security: It aims to address depleting groundwater levels and ensure long-term rural water security. To implement this, the MGNREGA Act, 2005, was amended to make water conservation works mandatory by allocating funds, providing a statutory backing to the initiative.
- In ‘over-exploited’ blocks, 65% of MGNREGA funds will be used for water-related works.
- In ‘semi-critical’ blocks, 40% of MGNREGA funds will be spent on water conservation.
- Even in blocks without water scarcity, at least 30% of funds will go towards water-related works.
- It shifts focus from ad hoc water works to systematic water security planning, and reflects India’s commitment to water conservation through campaigns like ‘Catch the Rain’ and ‘Amrit Sarovars’.
- Achievements of MGNREGA in Water Conservation: MGNREGA has become the world’s largest social welfare program, creating over 1.25 crore water conservation assets like farm ponds and check dams.
- These efforts have reduced water stress in rural areas. Under Mission Amrit Sarovar, more than 68,000 reservoirs were constructed or rejuvenated in the first phase.

Climate Change & Workplace Heat Stress Report
27-08-2025
Source: WHO
The World Health Organization (WHO) and World Meteorological Organization (WMO) released a joint report, Climate Change and Workplace Heat Stress, highlighting the escalating global health risks of extreme heat for workers worldwide due to climate change.
Heat- Stress Impact on Workers
- Key Findings:
- Extreme heatwaves are becoming more frequent and intense, with daytime temperatures exceeding 40–50°C in many regions, affecting both outdoor and indoor workers.
- Worker productivity drops 2–3% per degree above 20°C. Health risks including heatstroke, dehydration, kidney, and neurological disorders, which now impact half the global population, with heat stress spreading beyond equatorial regions.
- Over 2.4 billion workers face excessive heat globally, causing 22.85 million occupational injuries annually (ILO).
- Vulnerable groups: Manual workers in agriculture, construction, and fisheries; middle-aged and older adults; low-income populations; children and elderly in developing countries.
- Recommendations: Formulate occupational heat-health policies; raise awareness among workers, employers, and health professionals; engage stakeholders in co-creating locally relevant strategies.
- Implement practical, affordable, and sustainable solutions; leverage technology; promote research and evaluation.
- It aligns with UN SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities).
Favipiravir Shows Promise Against Chandipura Virus (CHPV)
27-06-2025
Source: TH
The ICMR-National Institute of Virology (NIV), Pune has identified Favipiravir as a potential therapeutic drug against Chandipura virus (CHPV). In preclinical mouse studies, it showed reduced viral load and improved survival, but the results are preliminary. Further animal model validation is required before progressing to human clinical trials.
Chandipura Virus (CHPV)
- About: The Chandipura virus (CHPV) is a neglected arbovirus classified under the Vesiculovirus genus of the Rhabdoviridae family.
- It is a cytoplasmic, negative-sense, single-stranded RNA virus, known for its ability to cause rapid-onset encephalitic illness, particularly in children.
- It is a neurotropic virus capable of affecting the central nervous system.
- Epidemiology and Endemicity: CHPV was first detected in 1965 in Maharashtra. Major outbreaks occurred in 2003 in Telangana (300+ cases, >50% fatality) and in 2024 in Gujarat and Maharashtra.
- It is now endemic to central India, especially rural and tribal areas, with outbreaks peaking during monsoon due to increased sandfly breeding.
- Transmission and Vectors: It is transmitted primarily by Phlebotomine sandflies, including Phlebotomus papatasi, and, in some cases, by Aedes aegypti mosquitoes (vectors for dengue).
- The virus resides in the salivary glands of these insects and is spread through their bites.
- Vulnerable Population: The infection predominantly affects children under 15 years.
- Symptoms: Early symptoms mimic influenza, such as fever, headache, and body aches. Severe cases may progress to encephalitis, causing seizures, altered mental status, respiratory distress, anaemia, and bleeding tendencies.
- The virus can cause rapid neurological deterioration and high fatality rates if untreated.
- Current Treatment Status: There is no specific antiviral drug or vaccine for CHPV. Management is symptomatic and supportive.
Favipiravir
- Favipiravir is a broad-spectrum antiviral drug originally developed in Japan for the treatment of influenza.
- It functions by inhibiting RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp), an enzyme essential for the replication of RNA viruses.
- As an oral drug, it has been repurposed for use against several emerging RNA viruses, including Ebola, Lassa fever, Zika, and SARS-CoV-2 (Covid-19) in emergency settings.
India Sends Second Astronaut to Space
27-06-2025
Source: IE
Why in News?
India achieves a historic milestone as Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla becomes the second Indian to travel to space, after Rakesh Sharma in 1984, and the first Indian to set foot on the International Space Station (ISS).
What is the Axiom-4 Mission?
- About: Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4) is the fourth private spaceflight to the International Space Station (ISS), operated by Axiom Space, a US-based space infrastructure company. It marks the fourth collaboration between NASA and Axiom Space, following the successful Ax-1, Ax-2, and Ax-3 missions.
- Crew Composition:
- Peggy Whitson (USA): Mission Commander and former NASA astronaut with 675+ days in space.
- Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla (India)
- Sławosz Uznański-Wiśniewski (Poland): ESA reserve astronaut.
- Tibor Kapu (Hungary): Payload specialist.
- Key Objectives of Axiom-4:
- Commercial Space Initiatives: Promotes space tourism and private research in Low Earth Orbit (LEO), supporting Axiom Space’s goal of building the first commercial space station and transitioning operations from the ISS to private infrastructure.
- Scientific Research & Experiments: Enables microgravity research in materials science, biology, Earth observation, and space agriculture. Key studies include:
- Human factors: Impact of screen exposure in microgravity.
- Astrobiology: Survival of tardigrade (water bears) in space.
- Space agriculture: Effects on six crop varieties (including moong dal) and cyanobacteria, relevant to life support systems.
- Global Collaboration: Features 60 experiments from 31 countries (including India, USA, Poland, Hungary), making it the most research-intensive Axiom mission and highlighting international cooperation in space science.
What is the Significance of the Axiom-4 Mission for India?
- Support for Gaganyaan: Axiom-4 provides critical hands-on experience for India’s planned Gaganyaan mission, especially in crew operations, microgravity research, and space biology, laying the groundwork for future independent human space missions.
- Strategic & Technological Edge: Human spaceflight is a key strategic capability for future missions to the Moon, Mars, and beyond. India’s role in Axiom-4 strengthens its position in the global space arena, supporting long-term goals like an Indian space station by 2035 and a human lunar mission by 2040.
- Global Standing & Economic Growth: ISRO’s active partnership in mission planning and execution showcases India's technological competence and boosts its international standing.
- It also opens avenues for private sector participation and foreign investments, vital for expanding India’s share in the global space economy.
- Youth Engagement and STEM Promotion: The mission inspires the youth, promotes STEM education, and helps build a skilled talent pipeline for India's expanding space sector, ensuring sustained innovation and national capacity building.
What are the Key Facts Related to the International Space Station (ISS)?
- About: The International Space Station (ISS) is the largest habitable artificial satellite in Low Earth Orbit (LEO), functioning as a unique space laboratory for scientific research and international cooperation.
- International Collaboration: A joint venture of 15 countries, led by 5 space agencies (NASA, Roscosmos, European Space Agency, JAXA, and Canadian Space Agency).
- Microgravity Laboratory: The ISS hosts 3,000+ experiments from 108+ countries, enabling research in science, medicine, and Earth observation. Its microgravity aids in studying human adaptation and developing Earth-relevant innovations.
.webp)
UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Question (PYQ)
Prelims:
Q. What is the purpose of the US Space Agency’s Themis Mission, which was recently in the news? (2008)
(a) To study the possibility of life on Mars
(b) To study the satellites of Saturn
(c) To study the colourful display of high-latitude skies
(d) To build a space laboratory to study the stellar explosions
Ans: (c)
Q. Consider the following statements: (2016)
- The Mangalyaan launched by ISRO
- is also called the Mars Orbiter Mission
- made India the second country to have a spacecraft orbit the Mars after USA
- made India the only country to be successful in making its spacecraft orbit the Mars in its very first attempt
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Ans: (c)
SC Directs States on Police–Media Briefing Policy
27-01-2026
Source: TH
The Supreme Court (SC) of India has directed all State governments to formulate a comprehensive policy for police media briefings within three months, modeled on the manual prepared by amicus curiae Gopal Sankaranarayanan, to ensure a balance between transparency and the rights of the accused.
- Background Case: The directive stems from a batch of petitions led by the People’s Union for Civil Liberties (PUCL) (a civil rights NGO).
- Gopal Sankaranarayanan Police Manual: It considers international best practices and Union government views.
- The manual aims to establish a “principled, rights-compatible and investigation-safe framework” that safeguards the dignity, privacy, and fair-trial rights of victims, witnesses, and suspects while meeting the public's need for accurate information.
- The manual asserts that police media briefings should serve specific purposes: to prevent harm, correct rumours, enlist public cooperation, and maintain law and order.
- Combating Misinformation: Acknowledging the "social media age," the Court emphasized that police must release only correct, verified, and necessary information to prevent the spread of fake news that could disrupt public order.
Tamil Nadu Opposes UGC Circular on Third Language
27-01-2026
Source: TH
Tamil Nadu has formally opposed the University Grants Commission's (UGC) circular mandating a third language in higher educational institutions, characterizing it as an "indirect attempt to impose Hindi" and reaffirming the State's steadfast commitment to its historic two-language policy.
- Rejection of Three-Language Formula: Tamil Nadu categorically rejected the three-language formula prescribed in the Centre’s National Education Policy (NEP), 2020, viewing the recent UGC circular as an infringement on State policy.
- The NEP 2020 promotes multilingualism by requiring students to learn three languages, with at least two being native Indian languages (including a regional language). The third language can be English or another modern Indian/foreign language.
- Adherence to Two-Language Policy: The State Education Policy of Tamil Nadu continues to uphold the two-language formula (Tamil and English), a policy originally formulated by former Chief Minister C.N. Annadurai in 1968.
- The State government stated that under no circumstances will it accept any alteration to its language policy.
- The issue also highlights Centre–State tensions over education, which falls under the Concurrent List of the Constitution.
- In 2022, the Assembly unanimously urged the Union government not to implement recommendations of the Parliamentary Committee on Official Language, which included proposals to make Hindi the medium of instruction in central institutions.
ASEAN–India Digital Ministers’ Meeting
27-01-2026
Source: PIB
The 6th ASEAN–India Digital Ministers’ Meeting (ADGMIN) was co‑chaired virtually by India and Vietnam, focusing on the theme “Adaptive ASEAN: From Connectivity to Connected Intelligence”.
- The ADGMIN is an annual forum of Telecom and Digital Ministers from the 11 ASEAN Member States and ASEAN’s Dialogue Partners, including Australia, China, India, and the US.
Key Highlights of the 6th ADGMIN Meeting
- Joint Statement: The meeting acknowledged the adoption of the ASEAN–India Joint Statement on Advancing Digital Transformation (2024), aimed at strengthening cooperation on Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI), Financial Technology, Cybersecurity, Artificial Intelligence (AI), capacity building, and sustainable financing.
- Work Plans & Funding: Progress on the ASEAN-India 2025 Digital Work Plan was reviewed, and a new ASEAN-India Digital Work Plan for 2026 was welcomed.
- The meeting also announced the operationalization of the special ‘ASEAN-India Fund for Digital Future’ to support collaborative initiatives between India and ASEAN in the domain of digital transformation and related technologies like Cybersecurity.
- India's Digital Showcase: India highlighted its rapid digital transformation, including near-universal 4G coverage, the world's fastest 5G rollout, BharatNet for rural broadband, and its emergence as a mobile manufacturing hub.
- Focus on Artificial Intelligence: India outlined its IndiaAI Mission with a focus on Safe and Trusted AI and expressed readiness to collaborate with ASEAN on AI capacity building, standards development, and practical use cases.
MSDE–WEF India Skills Accelerator
27-01-2026
Source: PIB
Why in News?
The Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE), has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the World Economic Forum (WEF) to strengthen India’s skills and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) ecosystem.
- Under the MoU, the partners will launch a Skills Accelerator in India to scale innovative solutions and address emerging skill gaps.
What is the MSDE- WEF India Skills Accelerator?
- About: It is a multistakeholder platform that brings together government, industry, academia, and global institutions to address current and emerging skill gaps in India’s workforce.
- Objectives: The Accelerator aims to align skilling initiatives with evolving industry and global labour-market needs while scaling innovative skilling models and strengthening public–private partnerships.
- It will support flexible, industry-linked curricula, integrate vocational and higher education pathways, enable mutual recognition of qualifications, and promote innovative, outcome-based financing for skilling.
- Importance: By strengthening the TVET ecosystem, the initiative enhances global employability of Indian youth and helps convert India’s demographic advantage into a skilled, future-ready workforce.
- It complements the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 by integrating vocational education with general education and fostering lifelong learning.
- The initiative is positioned as a central pillar for Viksit Bharat @2047, aiming to convert India’s demographic advantage (over 500 million people under 25) into economic leadership.
What are the Key Initiatives Driving India’s TVET Landscape?
|
Scheme/ Programme
|
Target Group
|
Key Features / Objectives
|
|
Skill India Mission (SIM)
|
Youth across India
|
- Implemented by MSDE to provide skill, re-skill, and up-skill training- delivered through a nationwide network of training centres, institutes, and digital platforms
- SIM aims to make youth future-ready and industry-ready
|
|
Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY)
|
Youth, including rural population
|
- PMKVY Phase 4 (2022-26) emphasizes short-term training, reskilling, and upskilling through Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL).
- It focuses on employability-oriented skills.
|
|
Jan Shikshan Sansthan (JSS)
|
Non-literates, neo-literates, school dropouts (15–45 years)
|
- Vocational skills for socially and economically disadvantaged groups- priority is given to women, SC, ST, OBC, minorities with special provisions for Divyangjan
|
|
National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (NAPS)
|
Apprentices and industrial establishments
|
- Promotes apprenticeship training by providing financial support to establishments under the Apprentices Act, 1961, combining basic training with on-the-job workplace training.
|
|
Craftsmen Training Scheme (CTS)
|
Youth seeking long-term vocational training
|
- Implemented through ITIs across India in multiple economic sectors.
- It aims to create an industry-ready skilled workforce and promote youth self-employment.
|
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the India Skills Accelerator?
It is a multistakeholder platform under the MSDE–WEF partnership to address present and future skill gaps through industry-aligned skilling models.
2. What are the key objectives of the MSDE–WEF MoU?
To align skilling with global labour-market needs, strengthen public–private partnerships, and scale innovative TVET solutions.
3. How does the initiative support NEP 2020?
It integrates vocational education with general and higher education, promotes flexible curricula, and encourages lifelong learning.
4. Why is the Skills Accelerator significant for India’s demographic dividend?
It enhances employability of over 500 million youth under 25 by creating a future-ready, globally competitive workforce.
5. Which major schemes form the backbone of India’s TVET landscape?
Skill India Mission, PMKVY, Jan Shikshan Sansthan, National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme, and Craftsmen Training Scheme.
UPSC Civil Services Examination Previous Year Question (PYQ)
Prelims
1. With reference to Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana, consider the following statements: (2018)
- It is the flagship scheme of the Ministry of Labour and Employment.
- It, among other things, will also impart training in soft skills, entrepreneurship, and financial and digital literacy.
- It aims to align the competencies of the unregulated workforce of the country to the National Skill Qualification Framework.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 3 only
(b) 2 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Ans: (c)
Granth Kutir
27-01-2026
Source: TH
Recently, the President of India inaugurated the Granth Kutir at Rashtrapati Bhavan.
Granth Kutir
- About: Granth Kutir is a dedicated book house showcasing India’s classical knowledge traditions.
- It houses works in 11 Indian classical languages such as Tamil, Sanskrit, Kannada, Malayalam and Marathi, with a collection of around 2,300 books and nearly 50 manuscripts.
- Several manuscripts are handwritten on traditional materials such as palm leaf, paper, bark, and cloth.
- Coverage: The collection covers epics, philosophy, linguistics, history, governance, science, devotional literature, and the Constitution of India.
- Collaboration: It has been developed through collaboration among central and state governments, universities, research institutions, cultural organisations, and individual donors.
- Significance: It aims to enhance public awareness of India’s cultural and literary heritage and promote unity in diversity.
- It supports the Gyan Bharatam Mission and reinforces efforts to preserve, promote, and transmit India’s classical languages and knowledge systems.
Padma Awards 2026
27-01-2026
Source: IE
Why in News?
On the eve of the 77th Republic Day 2026, the President approved the 2026 Padma awards list of 131 recipients, comprising 5 Padma Vibhushan, 13 Padma Bhushan, and 113 Padma Shri awards.
What are Padma Awards?
- About: The Padma Awards, alongside the Bharat Ratna, are the nation's premier awards for recognizing distinguished contributions across all fields of public service and human endeavour.
- Historical Evolution: The Padma Awards were instituted in 1954. Initially, two civilian awards were created, i.e., Bharat Ratna (the highest) and Padma Vibhushan (with three classes). In 1955, Padma Vibhushan classes were restructured into the three distinct awards in descending order of prestige:
- Padma Vibhushan: For "exceptional and distinguished service"; the 2nd-highest civilian award after the Bharat Ratna.
- Padma Bhushan: For "distinguished service of high order".
- Padma Shri: For "distinguished service in any field.
- Broad Scope: Awards are given across diverse disciplines, including Art, Social Work, Public Affairs, Science & Engineering, Civil Service, and more.
- Eligibility: All individuals, irrespective of race, occupation, rank, or gender—including Indian citizens, foreigners, NRIs, PIOs, and OCIs—are eligible for these awards.
- Since 2014, the government has been recognizing "unsung heroes" with the Padma Awards, transforming them into the "People's Padma".
- Selection Process: It is governed by the Padma Awards Committee, which is appointed annually by the Prime Minister. The committee is chaired by the Cabinet Secretary and includes the Home Secretary, Secretary to the President, and 4–6 eminent persons. Its recommendations are submitted to the Prime Minister and the President of India for final approval.
- Based on the committee recommendations, it is announced annually on the eve of Republic Day and formally conferred by the President of India in March/April, with recipients receiving a Sanad (certificate), medallion, and replica.
- Key Regulations: Generally not conferred posthumously (with rare, highly deserving exceptions).
- A higher category Padma award is only granted after at least five years since the previous Padma award.
- The award is not a title and cannot be used as a prefix or suffix.
- Capped at a maximum of 120 awards per year (excluding posthumous, NRI, foreigner, and OCI recipients).
Abolition of Titles (Article 18 of the Constitution)
- About: Article 18(1) of the Indian Constitution embodies the principle of social equality by abolishing all titles and prohibiting the State from conferring titles on any person, citizen or non-citizen.
- A title refers to a hereditary or perpetual prefix or suffix (e.g., Rai Bahadur, Nawab) attached to a name, which creates artificial distinctions of status.
- Key Exceptions: The prohibition has two explicit exceptions i.e., military and academic distinctions. Thus, universities can grant academic honours and the state can confer military awards.
- Padma awards were not conferred during the years 1978, 1979, and from 1993 to 1997.
- Judicial Clarification:
- Balaji Raghavan v. Union of India, 1996: The Supreme Court (SC) held that National awards like Bharat Ratna, Padma Vibhushan, and Padma Shri are not considered titles under Article 18(1).
- They are state recognitions of exceptional work and merit, not hereditary or personal distinctions.
- Indira Jaising v. Supreme Court of India, 2017: The SC ruled that the designation ‘senior advocate’ is a professional demarcation of experience and proficiency, not a title, and thus does not violate Article 18.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What are Padma Awards?
Padma Awards are India’s premier civilian honours, instituted in 1954 to recognise distinguished and exceptional service in diverse fields of public service and human endeavour.
2. Why are Padma Awards not considered “titles” under Article 18?
The Supreme Court held that Padma Awards are non-hereditary recognitions of merit, not prefixes or suffixes, and hence do not violate Article 18(1).
3. Who oversees the selection of Padma Award recipients?
The Padma Awards Committee, chaired by the Cabinet Secretary and appointed by the Prime Minister, scrutinises nominations and submits recommendations.
UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Questions (PYQs)
Q. Consider the following statements in respect of Bharat Ratna and Padma Awards: (2021)
- Bharat Ratna and Padma Awards are titles under the Article 18(1) of the Constitution of India.
- Padma Awards, which were instituted in the year 1954, were suspended only once.
- The number of Bharat Ratna Awards is restricted to a maximum of five in a particular year.
Which of the above statements are not correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Ans: (d)
Reservation for Agniveers in CAPFs
26-12-2025
Source:TH
The Union Home Ministry has decided to increase reservation for ex-Agniveers in Group C posts of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) from 10% to 50%, marking a major policy shift under the Agnipath scheme.
- Ex-Agniveers will be exempted from Physical Standard Test (PST) and Physical Efficiency Test (PET). However, they must appear for written examinations like other candidates.
Agnipath Scheme
- About: Launched in June 2022, is a short-term military recruitment programme. Recruits under this scheme are called Agniveers, and the objective is to maintain a young, agile, and technology-oriented force while optimising defence personnel expenditure.
- Eligibility conditions: Applicants must be Indian citizens and meet prescribed educational, physical, and medical standards of the respective service.
- The age limit was 17.5–23 years for the 2022 intake, and 17.5–21 years for subsequent intakes, reflecting the scheme’s focus on youth induction.
- Nature of Recruitment: Agniveers are enrolled for a fixed tenure of four years. They will be recruited as personnel below officer (PBOR) rank in the army, air force and navy for four years, including six months of training.
- Post-service Exit and Permanent Absorption: Up to 25% of each Agniveer batch may be absorbed into the regular cadre based on performance, without any right to selection, while the remaining personnel receive skill certification to support post-service employability.
- Pay structure and Seva Nidhi Benefits: Agniveers earn Rs 30,000–Rs 40,000 per month over four years, contribute 30% of pay to a Agniveer Corpus Fund matched by the government, and receive a tax-free Seva Nidhi package of about Rs 11.71 lakh on exit, with no pension or gratuity.
- Rs 48 lakh non-contributory life insurance cover is provided during service.

Kashiwazaki-Kariwa Nuclear Plant and Fukushima Disaster
26-12-2025
Source: TH
Nearly 15 years after the Fukushima disaster, Japan plans to restart the Kashiwazaki-Kariwa nuclear plant but the move has triggered protests, with Fukushima survivors warning against renewed nuclear safety risks.
- To reduce dependence on imported fossil fuels (account for 60–70% of Japan’s electricity generation), Japan plans to double nuclear power’s share to 20% by 2040 to meet rising energy demand from AI data centres and its decarbonisation goals.
- Kashiwazaki-Kariwa Nuclear Plant: It is the world’s largest nuclear power plant by installed capacity, located near Tokyo.
- It is operated by Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCO), the same operator responsible for the Fukushima Daiichi plant.
- Fukushima Nuclear Disaster (2011): The 2011 earthquake and tsunami disabled the cooling systems at the nuclear plant, leading to core meltdowns in three reactors and large-scale radiation release, making it the worst nuclear accident since Chernobyl (1986), resulting in mass evacuations and long-term exclusion zones.
Note: As of 2025, India’s nuclear power capacity stands at about 8.18 GW, and the country has set a long-term target of 100 GW by 2047. To accelerate this expansion, the SHANTI Act, 2025 opens nuclear reactor development to private sector participation, marking a major policy shift aimed at mobilising investment, improving efficiency.
ISRO’s Heaviest Launch: BlueBird Block-2
26-12-2025
Source: IE
Why in News?
ISRO marked a major milestone by launching its heaviest satellite, BlueBird Block-2 (6,100 kg, by the US firm AST SpaceMobile), using the Launch Vehicle Mark-3 (LVM3) rocket, showcasing India’s strong heavy-lift launch capability.
Summary
- BlueBird Block-2, weighing 6,100 kg, is the heaviest payload deployed by ISRO, injected into LEO (160 - 2,000 km) to provide direct-to-mobile 4G/5G connectivity.
- LVM-3 upgrades, including C32 cryogenic stage, semi-cryogenic engines, and bootstrap reignition, enhancing its payload capacity.
What is BlueBird Block-2?
- About: The BlueBird Block-2, is the heaviest payload ISRO has placed into orbit, surpassing the previous record of 5,700 kg (OneWeb satellites).
- Objective: It will provide direct-to-mobile connectivity, enabling 4G and 5G connectivity directly to mobile phones without requiring specialized ground stations.
- Commercial Significance: This is ISRO's 3rd commercial mission using LVM-3, following two OneWeb satellite launches in 2022 and 2023.
- Despite global alternatives like SpaceX’s Falcon-9 and the ESA’s Ariane 6, the LVM-3 underscores ISRO’s capacity for heavy launches at much lower cost.
Low Earth Orbit (LEO)
- Overview: LEO extends from about 160 - 2,000 km above Earth’s surface, where satellites complete an orbit roughly every 90–120 minutes.
- Satellites in LEO: It hosts satellites used for communications, Earth observation, scientific missions, and navigation.
- Orbit Types: While many LEO satellites follow circular orbits, some operate in elliptical orbits.
- Special Elliptical Orbits: Molniya and Tundra orbits provide longer dwell times over high-latitude regions and are used for communications and observation where geostationary coverage is limited.

What is the LVM3 Launch Vehicle?
- About: The LVM3 is ISRO's largest and most powerful heavy-lift rocket, with three stages. This rocket can carry payloads of up to 4,000 kilograms to Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit and 8,000 kg in LEO.
- Previously called the Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle Mk III, it launched for the first time in December 2014.
- 3 Stages:
- First Stage: Uses two large S200 solid rocket boosters, which burn solid propellant HTPB (hydroxyl-terminated polybutadiene).
- Second Stage (Core): Uses liquid-fuelled stage, powered by two Vikas engines, burning UDMH (unsymmetrical dimethylhydrazine) and nitrogen tetroxide.
- Third Stage (Upper): Uses the C25 cryogenic stage,, equipped with the CE20 engine, burning liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen.
- Engine Optimization for Higher Efficiency:
- Cryogenic Stage Upgrade: ISRO is developing the C32 cryogenic stage for higher thrust and fuel capacity.
- Semi-Cryogenic Engine Development: ISRO is developing semi-cryogenic engines using kerosene and liquid oxygen, which will raise LEO payload capacity from 8,000 kg to 10,000 kg.
- Bootstrap Reignition Technology: ISRO is developing bootstrap reignition capability for cryogenic engines, allowing the upper stage to restart without external gases like helium, reducing fuel weight and increasing payload capacity for multi-orbit missions.
- Role in Future Missions: A modified LVM-3 with added human-safety redundancies will support Gaganyaan missions and later carry modules for the Bharatiya Antariksh Station, India’s planned space station.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is BlueBird Block-2?
BlueBird Block-2 is a 6,100 kg commercial satellite by AST SpaceMobile, providing direct-to-mobile 4G/5G connectivity in LEO (160 km to 2,000 km).
2. What is the significance of LEO?
Low Earth Orbit (LEO) hosts communication, Earth observation, and navigation satellites, enabling low-latency global connectivity.
3. What are the stages of the LVM-3 rocket?
LVM-3 has three stages: S200 solid boosters, L110 liquid-fueled core, and C25 cryogenic upper stage, optimized for heavy-lift missions.
UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Question (PYQ)
Q. With reference to India’s satellite launch vehicles, consider the following statements: (2018)
- PSLVs launch satellites useful for Earth resources monitoring whereas GSLVs are designed mainly to launch communication satellites.
- Satellites launched by PSLV appear to remain permanently fixed in the same position in the sky, as viewed from a particular location on Earth.
- GSLV Mk III is a four-stage launch vehicle with the first and third stages using solid rocket motors, and the second and fourth stages using liquid rocket engines.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3
(c) 1 and 2
(d) 3 only
Ans: (a)
Q. In which of the following activities are Indian Remote Sensing (IRS) satellites used? (2015)
- Assessment of crop productivity
- Locating groundwater resources
- Mineral exploration
- Telecommunications
- Traffic studies
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) 1, 2 and 3 only
(b) 4 and 5 only
(c) 1 and 2 only
(d) 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5
Ans: (a)
Micrometeoroids and Orbital Debris
26-12-2025
Source: TH
Why in News?
The Micrometeoroids and Orbital Debris (MMOD) threat has regained attention after space debris damaged China’s Shenzhou-20 capsule. With expanding human spaceflight including Gaganyaan, protecting astronauts from high-velocity debris is now critical.
What are Micrometeoroids and Orbital Debris (MMOD)?
- About: Micrometeoroids are naturally occurring tiny particles, ranging from a few micrometres to about 2 mm, mostly originating from asteroid collisions and comets.
- They travel at very high velocities (11–72 km/s), making even dust-sized particles carry enough kinetic energy at orbital speeds to cause critical or catastrophic damage to onboard systems.
- Whereas, orbital debris, also known as space junk, consists of human-made objects in Earth’s orbit that no longer serve any purpose, such as defunct satellites, rocket fragments, collision debris, and remnants of anti-satellite tests.
- They typically move at around 10 km/s, capable of causing severe damage on impact.
- Rising debris density raises the risk of a runaway collision cascade known as the Kessler Syndrome, which could make some orbits unusable.
- Distribution: Orbital debris is mainly concentrated in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) between 200 km and 2,000 km altitude. There are around 34,000 trackable debris objects larger than 10 cm and over 128 million pieces larger than 1 mm in LEO.
- Micrometeoroids are present throughout space but are slightly more concentrated near Earth due to gravitational pull. They cause billions of micro-impacts annually on spacecraft operating in Earth’s orbit.
- Global Mechanisms to Manage Space Debris:
- Outer Space Treaty 1967 (India is a Signatory): Article VI of the treaty makes states responsible for all national space activities, including private ones, but lacks enforcement mechanisms.
- Convention on International Liability for Damage Caused by Space Objects 1972 (India is a Signatory) : It imposes absolute liability for space object damage on Earth, requiring no proof of negligence, but enforcement is weak.
- Voluntary UN Guidelines on Deorbiting: The UN recommends deorbiting satellites within 25 years, but compliance rate is only around 30%.
- Inter-Agency Space Debris Coordination Committee (IADC): Brings together agencies such as NASA, European Space Agency, and ISRO to develop technical standards.
- India’s Measures for Space Debris Mitigation: India has launched the Debris Free Space Missions (DFSM) initiative, aiming to achieve zero-debris space missions by 2030 for all Indian space actors, public and private.
Protection of Gaganyaan Crew from MMOD
- The Gaganyaan mission is a standalone human spaceflight without the option of docking with a space station in case of emergencies, making onboard safety critical.
- Since the mission duration is less than a week, the risk from large, catalogued space debris is very low, but protection is still required against small, high-velocity micrometeoroids and orbital debris.
- Accordingly, ISRO has adopted internationally accepted MMOD protection standards, including passive shielding such as Whipple shields, designed to meet stringent human-rating requirements. These shields are validated using advanced simulation tools and hypervelocity impact tests at DRDO’s Terminal Ballistics Research Laboratory, where projectiles are fired at speeds of up to 5 km/s.
- Physical (Whipple) Shielding : Satellites use Whipple shields consisting of an outer bumper layer and an inner rear wall separated by a standoff distance.
- The bumper shatters incoming debris, spreading its energy over a wider area before it reaches the rear wall.
- Fragmentation and dispersion reduce impact energy, allowing the rear wall to absorb the load without failure.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1.What are Micrometeoroids and Orbital Debris (MMOD)?
Micrometeoroids are natural high-velocity space particles, while orbital debris consists of defunct human-made objects like satellites and rocket fragments in Earth’s orbit.
2. Why is MMOD considered dangerous despite the small size of debris?
Due to extreme velocities (up to 72 km/s), even millimetre-sized particles can cause catastrophic damage to spacecraft systems.
3. What is the Kessler Syndrome?
It refers to a collision cascade where debris impacts generate more debris, potentially rendering certain orbits unusable.
4. What global mechanisms exist to manage space debris?
Frameworks include the Outer Space Treaty (1967), Liability Convention (1972), and technical guidelines by Inter-Agency Space Debris Coordination Committee, adopted by United Nations Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space, though they are largely non-binding.

Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) Programme
26-11-2025
Source: TH
Why in News?
The Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) programme has completed 50 years since its launch as a pilot in Karnataka, one of its earliest adopters, the programme now is the world’s largest community-based early childhood development programme.
What is the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) Programme?
- About: The ICDS is a centrally sponsored flagship programme launched on 2nd October 1975, anchored by the Ministry of Women and Child Development (MoWCD) to improve the nutrition, health, and early learning outcomes of children aged 0–6 years, along with pregnant and lactating mothers.
- Objectives: Improve health and nutritional status of children (0–6 years).
- Lay the foundation for psychological, physical, and social development.
- Reduce child mortality, morbidity, malnutrition, and school dropouts.
- Strengthen interdepartmental coordination for child development.
- Services offered under ICDS:

- Significance: ICDS is vital for early childhood development as it tackles malnutrition, improves health outcomes.
- It provides a safety net for pregnant and lactating mothers, reducing mortality and supporting maternal health.
- By integrating nutrition, health, and education services at the community level, it strengthens human capital, reduces inter-generational poverty, and supports women’s participation in the workforce.
Mission Saksham Anganwadi & Poshan 2.0
- About: In FY 2021-22, Saksham Anganwadi and POSHAN 2.0 was launched as India’s flagship Integrated Nutrition Support Programme that integrates key child and maternal welfare programmes like ICDS, Poshan Abhiyan, the Scheme for Adolescent Girls, and the National Crèche Scheme.
- Approved for implementation during the 15th Finance Commission period (2021–26), it aims to strengthen nutrition, early childhood care, and overall support for women and children.
- Major Verticals:
- Supplementary Nutrition for children (6 months–6 years), pregnant women, lactating mothers, and adolescent girls (14–18 years) in Aspirational Districts and the Northeast.
- Early Childhood Care & Education (ECCE) for children aged 3–6, with early stimulation for ages 0–3.
- Upgradation of Anganwadi Infrastructure, including modern Saksham Anganwadi centres.
- Poshan Abhiyaan, the national convergence mission for a malnutrition-free India.
- Special Focus Areas: Improving maternal nutrition and Infant and Young Child Feeding (IYCF), alongside introducing treatment protocols for SAM and MAM supported by AYUSH wellness practices.
- The scheme strengthens real-time nutrition monitoring through the Poshan Tracker, and prioritises adolescent girls’ nutrition through the Scheme for Adolescent Girls (SAG), which targets 14–18-year-olds in priority regions.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q. What is ICDS?
ICDS (Integrated Child Development Services) is a centrally sponsored flagship programme that provides an integrated package — supplementary nutrition, pre-school education, immunisation, health check-ups, referral services and health & nutrition education — for children (0–6 years) and pregnant/lactating mothers.
Q. What is Mission Saksham Anganwadi & POSHAN 2.0?
It is the restructured umbrella programme that subsumes ICDS, Poshan Abhiyaan, Scheme for Adolescent Girls and National Crèche Scheme to strengthen nutrition, ECCE, anganwadi infrastructure and adolescent nutrition through convergence and digital monitoring (Poshan Tracker).
Q. How does Poshan Tracker help programme delivery?
Poshan Tracker enables real-time monitoring of nutrition indicators, beneficiary tracking and convergence with RCH data, improving targeting and accountability
UPSC Civil Services Examination Previous Year Question (PYQ)
Prelims
Q. Which of the following are the objectives of ‘National Nutrition Mission’? (2017)
- To create awareness relating to malnutrition among pregnant women and lactating mothers.
- To reduce the incidence of anaemia among young children, adolescent girls and women.
- To promote the consumption of millets, coarse cereals and unpolished rice.
- To promote the consumption of poultry eggs.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 1, 2 and 3 only
(c) 1, 2 and 4 only
(d) 3 and 4 only
Ans: (a)
Goods and Services Tax Appellate Tribunal (GSTAT)
26-09-2025
Source: PIB
Why in News?
The Union Finance Minister formally launched the Goods and Services Tax Appellate Tribunal (GSTAT), marking a significant milestone in India’s GST journey. The tribunal is set to streamline dispute resolution and reinforce trust in India’s indirect tax system.
What is the Goods and Services Tax Appellate Tribunal (GSTAT)?
- About: GSTAT is a statutory body established under the Central Goods and Services Tax Act, 2017 to hear appeals against orders passed by the Appellate or Revisional Authorities.
- It provides taxpayers a specialized and independent forum for justice, enhancing the orderliness, predictability, and credibility of the GST regime.
- Objectives: GSTAT aims to create a single, unified appellate forum for GST disputes across India (“One Nation, One Forum”). It minimizes legal friction and ambiguity in GST laws.
- It aims to ensure timely resolution of disputes to improve cash flow and business certainty.
- GSTAT focuses on plain language decisions, simplified formats, checklists, and virtual hearings. It promotes citizen-centric governance aligned with principles of ‘Nagarik Devo Bhava’ and Next-Gen GST reforms.
- Functions: GSTAT functions via a Principal Bench in New Delhi and 31 State Benches across 45 locations, ensuring nationwide reach.
- Each bench has 2 Judicial Members, 1 Central Technical Member, and 1 State Technical Member, blending judicial and technical expertise for impartial and consistent decisions.
- Designed around the three S’s: Structure (judicial + technical expertise), Scale (state benches and single-member benches for simple cases), and Synergy (technology, process, and human expertise).
- GSTAT e-Courts Portal enables online filing, case tracking, and virtual hearings for taxpayers and practitioners.
- Benefits: Protects the rights of both large and small taxpayers with no undue delay in justice. Reduces ambiguity and ensures consistency in interpretation across India.
- Encourages investment confidence and simplifies tax compliance for MSMEs, exporters, startups, and citizens.
- Digital portal enables taxpayers to file appeals online, track cases, and participate in virtual hearings.
UPSC Civil Services Examination Previous Year Question (PYQ)
Prelims
Q. Consider the following items: (2018)
Cereal grains hulled
Chicken eggs cooked
Fish processed and canned
Newspapers containing advertising material
Which of the above items is/are exempted under GST (Good and Services Tax)?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1, 2 and 4 only
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
Ans: (c)
Q. What is/are the most likely advantages of implementing ‘Goods and Services Tax (GST)’? (2017)
It will replace multiple taxes collected by multiple authorities and will thus create a single market in India.
It will drastically reduce the ‘Current Account Deficit’ of India and will enable it to increase its foreign exchange reserves.
It will enormously increase the growth and size of the economy of India and will enable it to overtake China in the near future.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Ans: (a)
Sir Bani Yas Island
26-08-2025
Source: IE
A 1,400-year-old Christian cross has been unearthed from the ancient monastery on Sir Bani Yas Island, Abu Dhabi. Similar artifacts found in Iraq and Kuwait, linked to the historic Church of the East, point to the legacy of cultural harmony in the Gulf region.
- Sir Bani Yas Island: It is the largest island off the coast of the Al Dhafra Region in Abu Dhabi. It was declared a nature reserve in 1971 and is now the Arabian Wildlife Park, hosting free-roaming animals, breeding programs.
- Sir Bani Yas Island was first mentioned in European records in 1590 by Italian merchant Gasparo Balbi for its pearls, a trade that remained significant until the early 20th century.

Sohrai, Pattachitra, and Patua Paintings
26-07-2025
Source: PIB
Why in News?
Artists from Jharkhand, Odisha, and West Bengal participated in the 2nd edition of Kala Utsav 2025 – 'Artists in Residence Programme' at Rashtrapati Bhavan, showcasing traditional paintings like Sohrai Khovar, Pattachitra, and Patua.
- The program honors India’s living art traditions while offering a platform for folk, tribal, and traditional artists to showcase their work.
What are the Key Facts Regarding Sohrai, Pattachitra, and Patua Paintings?
- Sohrai Painting: It is a traditional indigenous art form practiced by women from various tribal communities in the Hazaribagh region of Jharkhand, including the Kurmi, Santhal, Munda, Oraon, Agaria, and Ghatwal groups.
- Known as harvest art, it is deeply linked to agriculture and cattle domestication. The term 'Soh' or 'Soro' means to drive away, and 'Rai' refers to a stick.
- As part of the ritual, mandalas or aripan are drawn with rice gruel to welcome cattle into homes, a task performed by village women using their fingers.
- Sohrai Khovar Painting has received the Geographical Indication (GI) tag in the year 2020.
- Patta Chitra: Originating in Odisha, it is closely associated with the Jagannath Temple in Puri, where it is traditionally used to decorate the sanctum sanctorum.
- Pattachitra, painted on cloth (Pata) coated with chalk powder and tamarind seed glue, uses natural colors from vegetable, earth, and mineral sources.
- Themes include religious, mythological, and folk stories, notably Krishna Leela and Lord Jagannath.
- Without pencils or charcoal, artists start with borders and sketch directly with light red and yellow brushes, finishing with a lacquer coating for shine and water resistance.
- Patua Painting: It is a folk art tradition from West Bengal, practiced by the Patua or Chitrakar community (both Hindu and Muslim).
- Patua artisan community is also found in Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha, and parts of Bangladesh.
- It is painted on cloth scrolls called pati or patta, backed with old sari fabric, using bamboo-goat hair brushes and vegetable dyes fixed with gum.
- It is used to narrate Mangal Katha, especially by Hindu Patuas in Kalighat and Kumartuli.
UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Questions (PYQs)
Q. The well-known painting “Bani Thani” belongs to the (2018)
(a) Bundi school
(b) Jaipur school
(c) Kangra school
(d) Kishangarh school
Ans: (d)
Q. The painting of Bodhisattva Padmapani is one of the most famous and oft-illustrated paintings at (2017)
(a) Ajanta
(b) Badami
(c) Bagh
(d) Ellora
Ans: (a)
Q. Kalamkari painting refers to
(a) a hand-painted cotton textile in South India
(b) a handmade drawing on bamboo handicrafts in North-East India
(c) a block-painted woollen cloth in Western Himalayan region of India
(d) a hand-painted decorative silk cloth in North Western India
Ans: (a)
Kargil Vijay Diwas
26-07-2025
Source: BS
India celebrates Kargil Vijay Diwas every year on 26th July to honour the bravery of Indian soldiers who fought in the 1999 Kargil War.
- On 26th Kargil Vijay Diwas in 2025, the Indian Army launched three initiatives to honour soldiers’ bravery.
- These include an e-shradhanjali portal, a QR code-based audio app sharing Kargil war stories, and a new Line of Control (LoC) viewpoint at Batalik sector.
- The Kargil War began shortly after the Lahore Declaration (1999), when Pakistani troops secretly occupied strategic heights in the Kargil district, Ladakh vacated for winter.
- In response, the Indian Army launched Operation Vijay to reclaim the heights in the Kargil region of Ladakh.
- The IAF carried out Operation Safed Sagar, targeting enemy positions on rugged peaks, while the Indian Navy launched Operation Talwar to exert pressure in the Arabian Sea.
- The war was fought in challenging terrain across key areas like Tololing, Tiger Hill, Drass, and Batalik.
- The Kargil War Memorial in Dras, Ladakh was built in 2000 to honour the success of Operation Vijay.
- The National War Memorial in Delhi honours soldiers from major conflicts, including the Sino-Indian war in 1962, Indo-Pak wars in 1947, 1965, and 1971, Indian Peace Keeping Force Operations in Sri Lanka 1987-90, and the Kargil Conflict in 1999.
India’s First Tribal Genome Sequencing Project
26-07-2025
Source: TH
Why in News?
Gujarat has launched India’s first Tribal Genome Sequencing Project to map the genetic profile of tribal populations.
Gujarat’s Tribal Genome Sequencing Project
- Aim: It aims to identify genetic health risks like Sickle Cell Disease, Thalassemia and provide precision healthcare tailored to the needs of tribal populations.
- It seeks to bridge the gap between scientific advancements and tribal traditions, fostering a healthier future for these communities.
- Implementation: Managed by the Gujarat Biotechnology Research Centre (GBRC).
- Scope: The genomes of 2,000 individuals from tribal communities across 17 districts will be sequenced.
Genome Sequencing
- About: It is the process of determining the exact order of nucleotide bases (A, C, G, T) in an individual’s DNA.
- It reveals a person's genetic makeup, providing insights into traits, health risks, and potential disorders.
- Types:
- Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS) maps the entire DNA sequence for comprehensive genetic information.
- Partial Genome Sequencing focuses on specific genome parts.
- Targeted Gene Sequencing sequences specific genes.
- Applications:
- Helps identify disease-causing mutations, understand the genetic basis of diseases, and discover new drug targets.
- Enables personalised medicine by predicting individual responses to drugs, allowing for optimized drug selection.
- Used in crop improvement to identify genes linked to disease resistance, high yield, and better nutrition, aiding the development of improved crop varieties.

2025 Henley Passport Index Q2
26-07-2025
Source: TH
India ranks 77th in the Henley Passport Index 2025 (Q2), up from 85th in January 2025 (Q1), showing a modest but notable improvement in global mobility for Indian citizens.
- Indian passport holders now enjoy visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 59 destinations, up from 57 in 2024. The Philippines and Sri Lanka are the two newly added visa-free destinations for Indians.
- Singapore ranks first with access to 193 destinations, followed by Japan and South Korea with 190.
- The Henley Passport Index ranks 199 passports based on visa-free access to 227 destinations, using International Air Transport Association (IATA) data and updated quarterly.
- IATA is the trade body for 300 airlines, covering 83% of global air traffic. Its headquarters is in Montreal, Canada.
India Pledges USD 450 Million to Aid Sri Lanka
25-12-2025
Source:TH
India announced a USD 450 million reconstruction package to support Sri Lanka’s recovery after Cyclone Ditwah, reinforcing India’s role as a first responder and trusted partner in the Indian Ocean region.
- Earlier, under Operation Sagar Bandhu, India delivered humanitarian aid, relief supplies, and medical assistance to Sri Lanka, including an Indian Army field hospital near Kandy that treated over 8,000 people, reaffirming India’s strong support.
- Sri Lanka’s Fragile Recovery: Sri Lanka was showing tentative fiscal stability under International Monetary Fund (IMF) support when the cyclone struck.
- The IMF-led programme, imposed after Sri Lanka’s 2022 debt default, introduced austerity measures such as tax hikes, subsidy cuts, and high interest rates to restore some macroeconomic stability; but it disproportionately hurt the poor.
- The IMF recently approved about USD 206 million in emergency financial assistance under its Rapid Financing Instrument (RFI).
- The RFI provides prompt financial assistance to any IMF member country facing an urgent balance of payments need.
- The World Bank estimates USD 4.1 billion in losses (~4% of Sri Lanka’s GDP) from direct physical damage. The recovery is seen as more challenging than the 2004 tsunami.
- Strategic Significance for India: The reconstruction package builds on India’s USD 4 billion assistance in 2022 (lines of credit, currency swaps, petroleum support) to Sri Lanka.
- India has consistently acted as a first responder in the Indian Ocean region, especially for Sri Lanka, extending support during the MV XPress Pearl ship-fire disaster in 2021 and providing assistance during Cyclone Roanu (2016).
- This strengthens Neighbourhood First and SAGAR approaches, enhancing India’s regional leadership amid climate shocks.
DHRUV64 Microprocessor
25-12-2025
Source: TH
On 15th December, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) announced the launch of DHRUV64, a fully indigenous 64-bit microprocessor developed by C-DAC under the Microprocessor Development Programme (MDP), aimed at strengthening India’s sovereign semiconductor ecosystem.
DHRUV64
- About:
- DHRUV64: It is part of India’s ecosystem of processors, including SHAKTI from IIT-Madras, AJIT from IIT-Bombay, VIKRAM from the ISRO-Semiconductor Lab, and THEJAS64 from C-DAC (2025).
- It is a general-purpose, 64-bit, dual-core microprocessor
- Clock Speed: ~1 GHz
- Developer: Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC)
- Architecture: Based on RISC-V
- Programme: Digital India RISC-V (DIR-V)
- Designed for embedded systems as well as operating-system-level workloads
THEJAS32 was the first India-designed chip DIR-V chip to be fabricated (in Malaysia) and THEJAS64 was the second, manufactured at SCL Mohali. DHRUV64 is the third on this list.
- Applications
- Telecom base stations
- Industrial automation and controllers
- Automotive electronics
- Routers and networking equipment
- Strategic and government systems

- Digital India RISC-V (DIR-V) Programme:
- Digital India RISC-V (DIR-V) Programme aims to develop a portfolio of indigenous RISC-V–based microprocessors to reduce India’s dependence on foreign processor technologies.
- It targets strategic and commercial sectors such as industry, defence, space, and consumer electronics, supporting technological sovereignty.
- RISC‑V:
- RISC-V is an open-source instruction set architecture (ISA) that allows anyone to design and customize processors without paying licensing fees.
- Unlike ARM or x86 (Intel/AMD), companies don't pay a "tax" to use the blueprint.
- It supports modular and scalable processor designs, making it suitable for applications ranging from embedded systems to high-performance computing.
Rhino Dehorning as a Conservation Strategy
25-12-2025
Source: TH
A recent study published in Science shows that rhino dehorning has led to a sharp decline in poaching in African reserves, offering crucial insights into evidence-based wildlife conservation amid a booming illegal wildlife trade.
- Rhino Horns: Rhino horns are made of keratin, not bone, and have no scientifically proven medicinal value, yet they are widely perceived as status symbols and used in traditional medicine in parts of Asia.
- This demand fuels a lucrative illegal market that generated USD 874 million–USD 1.13 billion between 2012 and 2022, with horn prices ranging from USD 3,382 to USD 22,257 per kilogram.
- Effectiveness of Rhino Dehorning: Dehorning rhinos led to a 78% reduction in poaching, using just 1.2% of the total anti-poaching budget. At the individual level, dehorned rhinos faced a 95% lower poaching risk.
- India’s Model of Rhino Conservation: Kaziranga National Park in Assam, known as the “Rhino Capital of the World” for hosting the largest population of the one-horned rhinoceros, has lost only 1–2 rhinos in the last three years.
- This success stems from Indian Rhino Vision 2005, along with smart patrolling, community participation, and effective human–wildlife conflict mitigation, leading experts to argue that India does not require dehorning due to its strong conservation governance.
- Rhino DNA Index System (RhODIS): It is a DNA-based forensic database developed from rhino DNA (horns, dung) to track illegal trade, link seized horns to poached animals, and strengthen wildlife crime investigation and prosecution.
- RhODIS was originally developed in South Africa and later adapted and implemented in India.

Birth Anniversary of Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya
25-12-2025
Source: PIB
The birth anniversary of Bharat Ratna Mahamana Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya is observed on 25th December.

Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya
- About: Born on 25th December 1861 in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, he played a pivotal role in shaping modern India, blending educational reform, the freedom struggle, journalism, and social service.
- Mahatma Gandhi called Malaviyaji Devata Purush (man of God), Rabindranath Tagore titled him Mahamana (luminous mind, magnanimous heart), and Dr. S. Radhakrishnan described him as a Karmayogi.
- Key Contributions:
- Role in India’s Freedom Struggle: He was a key participant in Gandhiji’s Salt Satyagraha and the Civil Disobedience Movement of 1930, and served as President of the Indian National Congress four times (1909, 1918, 1932, 1933).
- Functioned as a member of the Imperial Legislative Council for 11 years (1909–20) and successfully introduced the Devanagari script in British-Indian courts.
- Popularized the term Satyameva Jayate (from Mundaka Upanishad), which later became India's national motto.
- Helped establish the Hindu Mahasabha in 1915.
- Returned to the legal profession specifically to defend those accused in the Chauri Chaura incident (1922).
- Educational Pioneer: Founded the Banaras Hindu University (BHU) in 1916. He was also a key figure in establishing scouting for Indian youth.
- Social Reform: Played a pivotal role in ending the indenture system, liberating many Indians from bonded labour.
- Environmental Activism: Established the Ganga Mahasabha in 1905 to prevent British damming of the Ganga at Bhimgoda in Haridwar.
- Journalism: Founded multiple publications including Hindi weekly Abhyudaya (1907), Hindi monthly Maryada (1910), and English daily Leader (1909); served as Chairman of Hindustan Times Board.
- Recognition: Awarded Bharat Ratna in 2014; honored with Mahamana Express train service (Varanasi–New Delhi) in 2016.
Mekedatu Dam
25-11-2025
Source: TH
Karnataka has announced that it would submit a revised Detailed Project Report (DPR) to the Centre for the Mekedatu dam across the Cauvery river.
- This comes after Tamil Nadu raised concerns over Karnataka's Mekedatu dam, citing Cauvery water disputes, excessive water storage, and irregular water release.
Mekedatu Dam
- About: It involves constructing a balancing reservoir near Kanakapura, Karnataka, at the deep gorge of Mekedatu where the Cauvery and Arkavathi rivers meet.
- It aims to provide drinking water to Bengaluru and nearby areas and generate 400 MW of hydroelectric power.
- Controversy: Tamil Nadu, the lower riparian state, strongly opposes the project, fearing reduced downstream water flow and is central to the Cauvery River water sharing dispute.
Cauvery River Water Dispute
- About the Dispute: The dispute involves Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Puducherry. The Cauvery river originates in Karnataka, flows through Tamil Nadu, with major tributaries from Kerala.
- Historical Genesis: The dispute is over 150 years old, originating from 1892 and 1924 agreements between the Madras Presidency and Mysore, that required the upper riparian state (Karnataka) to obtain consent from the lower riparian state (Tamil Nadu) for construction projects.
- Renewed Conflict: A fresh dispute began in 1974 when Karnataka started diverting water without Tamil Nadu's consent, violating previous agreements.
- Resolution Mechanism: The Cauvery Water Disputes Tribunal (CWDT), established in 1990, delivered its Final Order in 2007, specifying water-sharing among all riparian states.
Note: Water is a State subject under Entry 17 of the State List, but the regulation and development of inter-state rivers come under Entry 56 of the Union List.

Lachit Borphukan
25-11-2025
Source: PIB
On Lachit Diwas, the Prime Minister paid tribute to Lachit Borphukan, honouring him as a symbol of courage, patriotism, and inspiring leadership.
- Early Life: Lachit Borphukan (born 24th November 1622 at Charaideo, Assam) was the youngest son of Momai Tamuli Borbarua, a key military administrator under Ahom ruler Pratap Singha.
- Trained in administration, military strategy, and scriptures, he grew up amid Mughal–Ahom wars and later rose as one of Assam’s greatest military leaders.
- Recognising his leadership, he was appointed as Borphukan (Commander-in-Chief) to reclaim Assam from Mughal occupation after the Mir Jumla invasion.
- Battle of Saraighat (1671): Using guerrilla warfare, river-based naval tactics, and strategic fortifications, Lachit defeated the Mughal army led by Raja Ram Singh I.
-
Legacy and Recognition: Lachit died in 1672 from illness, and his memorial (Lachit Maidan) stands near Jorhat. He remains a symbol of courage, patriotism, leadership, and military strategy.

Punjab Declares Three Historic Sikh Sites as Holy Cities
25-11-2025
Source: IE
Punjab has passed a resolution to declare the Amritsar Walled City, Anandpur Sahib, and Talwandi Sabo as holy cities, marking a major cultural and governance decision aligned with the 350th martyrdom anniversary of Guru Tegh Bahadur.
- The decision bans the sale and consumption of liquor, meat, tobacco, and other intoxicants in the designated holy areas. These places also hold religious significance in Sikh history, hosting three of the five Takhts.
- Takhts: A Takht, which means a throne, is a seat of temporal authority for Sikhs. There are five Sikh Takhts, three in Punjab and one each in Maharashtra and Bihar.
- Akal Takht in Amritsar, Punjab: Established in 1606 by Guru Hargobind, is the highest seat of Sikh authority and represents the union of miri (temporal power) and piri (spiritual authority).
- Takht Sri Keshgarh Sahib (Anandpur Sahib, Punjab): Site where the Khalsa was created in 1699.
- Takht Sri Damdama Sahib (Talwandi Sabo, Punjab): Where Guru Gobind Singh finalised Sikh scripture.
- Takhat Sri Harimandir Ji Patna Sahib (Patna, Bihar): Birthplace of Guru Gobind Singh.
- Takhat Sachkhand Sri Hazoor Sahib (Nanded, Maharashtra): Site of Guru Gobind Singh final days and cremation in 1708.
International Snow Leopard Day
25-10-2025
Source: PIB
India marked International Snow Leopard Day with the ‘#23for23’ campaign to raise awareness about snow leopard conservation.
- In 2024, the United Nations designated 23rd October as International Snow Leopard Day to promote cooperation for snow leopard conservation and ecosystem protection.
- #23for23: The campaign, initiated by the Global Snow Leopard and Ecosystem Protection Program (GSLEP) and the Snow Leopard Trust worldwide, to dedicate 23 minutes of physical activity for honouring the snow leopard.
- Snow Leopard: The snow leopard (Panthera uncia), often called the ‘ghost of the mountains’, is an elusive big cat found across high mountain regions of Asia, including India, Nepal, Bhutan, China, and several Central Asian countries.
- It is ecologically significant and listed under Appendix I of CITES, and Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals.
- It is classified as Vulnerable by IUCN (2017), the species faces major threats from habitat loss, prey depletion, poaching, illegal trade, and climate change.
- They are solitary animals, prefer elevations between 3,000 to 4,500 meters. They breed seasonally, with a gestation period of 90-100 days.
- Despite being called the snow 'leopard', they're genetically more closely related to tigers than they are leopards.
- India’s Conservation Measures: The Snow Leopard Population Assessment (SPAI) reports 718 snow leopards in India, with 477 in Ladakh, marking the first scientific population survey in the Indian Himalayas.
- It is listed as Schedule I species as per Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.

Read more: Snow Leopard
International Convention Against Doping in Sport
25-10-2025
Source: PIB
At the 10th Session of the Conference of Parties (COP10) to the International Convention against Doping in Sport, held at UNESCO Headquarters, Paris, India was re-elected as Vice-Chairperson of the Bureau for the Asia-Pacific for the 2025–2027 term.
International Convention Against Doping in Sport
- About: It is a UNESCO multilateral treaty adopted on 19th October 2005 to prevent and eliminate doping in sport, entering into force on 1st February 2007.
- It has been ratified by 192 States Parties (including India), making it UNESCO’s 2nd most ratified treaty (Most ratified: World Heritage Convention, 196 States Parties).
- Objective: It is the only legally binding international instrument designed to harmonize and strengthen national and global measures to prevent and eliminate doping in sport, ensuring a level and safe playing field.
- Governance: COP is the sovereign body, meeting biennially. It is responsible for the Convention's implementation, evolution, and monitoring compliance by States Parties.
- Financial Mechanism: The Fund for the Elimination of Doping in Sport provides financial support, having invested over USD 5 million in more than 200 projects across 120+ countries since 2008 for education, awareness, and capacity building
- Educational Role: The Convention promotes the Values Education through Sport (VETS) programme, which uses sport as a tool for active learning and to teach cross-curricular values, reinforcing the ethical foundation of the anti-doping effort.
National Anti-Doping Agency
- NADA, established in 2005 as a registered society under the Societies Registration Act of 1860, is tasked with promoting dope-free sports in India.
- NADA plans, implements, and coordinates the country’s anti-doping activities in accordance with the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) code and regulations.
- The National Anti-Doping Act, 2022 provides legal authority to NADA for regulating anti-doping activities in sports and implementing the UNESCO International Convention against Doping in Sport.
- The National Anti-Doping (Amendment) Act, 2025 has further strengthened this framework by enhancing enforcement mechanisms, ensuring greater accountability, and aligning India’s anti-doping regime with evolving global standards.
Read More: Doping
|
Kashmir’s First Chrysanthemum Garden
25-10-2025
Source: IE
Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) has launched its first chrysanthemum garden as part of efforts to extend the Valley's tourist season beyond spring, transitioning from tulips (Gul-e-Lala) to chrysanthemums (Gul-e-Dawood).
- It is situated at Cheshma Shahi, between Zabarwan mountains and Dal Lake, adjacent to Srinagar’s Tulip Garden.
Chrysanthemum (Dendranthema Grandiflora)
- About: It is a perennial herbaceous plant belonging to the Asteraceae family, popularly known as the "Queen of the East". It is native to East Asia and Europe and is the national flower of Japan.
- Commercial Importance: It is a major ornamental crop cultivated primarily for cut flowers, loose flowers, and pot plants.
- Climate & Soil Requirements:
- Climate: Thrives in tropical and subtropical climates. The optimal temperature range is 20-28°C during the day and 15-20°C at night.
- Soil: Prefers a well-drained red loamy soil.
Defamation
25-09-2025
Source: TH
Why in News?
A judge of the Supreme Court of India highlighted the need to decriminalise defamation, citing concerns over its increasing misuse by political leaders and private individuals to settle personal and political disputes.
What is Defamation?
- About: Defamation is the act of speaking, writing, publishing, or making signs against someone with the intention to harm their reputation.
- It can concern a living person, a company, association, or group, or a deceased individual, with harm to the deceased considered in terms of its impact on their family or close relatives.
- Types of Defamation:
- Libel: Defamatory statements made in a permanent form, e.g., writing, images, published works.
- Slander: Defamation through spoken words or temporary expressions.
- Courts interpret defamation subjectively, based on proof and circumstances.
- Regulation in India:
- Indian Penal Code (IPC) Sections 499 & 500 (now Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023): Defines defamation and prescribes its punishments.
- Defamation can be criminal or civil, depending on severity and evidence. Criminal cases require strong proof and the presence of reasonable doubt.
- Criminal defamation serves as a stronger deterrent than civil penalties, upholds public interest in protecting reputation, and safeguards vulnerable groups from discrimination or hate speech.
- Judicial Pronouncement:
- Subramanian Swamy Vs. Union of India, 2016: The upheld the constitutional validity of criminal defamation. It ruled that protecting reputation is part of the fundamental right to life under Article 21.
- Criminal defamation under IPC was held to be a “reasonable restriction” on free speech under Article 19(2).
- Article 19(2) of the Indian Constitution permits the State to impose “reasonable restrictions” on the right to freedom of speech and expression.
What is the Need to Decriminalise Defamation?
- Prevent Misuse: Criminal defamation is often used by individuals or political figures to settle personal or political scores.
- Protect Freedom of Speech: Criminal defamation threatens free speech and press freedom. Decriminalisation would reduce the chilling effect on journalists, activists, and citizens expressing opinions.
- Civil Remedies are Sufficient: Reputation can still be protected through civil defamation suits without criminal penalties. Many democracies like the US treat defamation as a civil matter rather than a criminal offense.
- Reputational harm is a civil injury; imprisonment is excessive and violates the principle of proportionality.
- Judicial Economy: Criminal cases add to the already massive backlog in courts; civil remedies are more efficient and less burdensome.
What Measures Can Strengthen Defamation Laws While Protecting Free Speech in India?
- Decriminalise Private Defamation: Restrict criminal liability only to matters of public interest or national security, shift private disputes to civil law.
- Strengthen Civil Remedies: Fast-track courts for defamation cases, clear compensation norms, and alternative dispute resolution for quicker justice.
- Define Clear Standards: Re-examine the 2016 judgment in light of present misuse and provide judicial or legislative guidelines to distinguish fair criticism, satire, and irony from malicious defamation.
- Safeguard Press Freedom: Introduce protections for journalists, whistleblowers, and researchers acting in public interest.
- Prevent SLAPP Suits: Enact anti- strategic lawsuit against public participation (SLAPP) legislation to stop misuse of defamation cases by powerful individuals or corporations.
- Awareness & Media Literacy: Educate citizens on responsible speech and remedies available without resorting to criminal cases.
Conclusion
Defamation remains a complex issue where free speech and reputation often collide. Any change must weigh the risk of silencing criticism against the need to protect dignity, demanding cautious, well-researched reforms.
|
Drishti Mains Question:
Q. Analyse the misuse of defamation laws and its impact on democratic discourse.
|
UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Question (PYQ):
Mains
Q. What do you understand by the concept of “freedom of speech and expression”? Does it cover hate speech also? Why do the films in India stand on a slightly different plane from other forms of expression? Discuss. (2014)
PRAGATI
25-09-2025
Source: PIB
The Prime Minister chaired the 49th meeting of PRAGATI (Pro-Active Governance and Timely Implementation), focusing on expediting key infrastructure projects.
- PRAGATI: It is an innovative, Information and Communication Technologies (ICT)-enabled platform initiated in 2015 to ensure timely implementation of government projects, and redress public grievances.
- It facilitates Centre-State coordination, fostering the “Team India” approach and resolves inter-state disputes efficiently, bypassing red tapeism.
- Key Features: PRAGATI has a three-tier system (PMO, Union Government Secretaries, and Chief Secretaries of the States) for direct communication. Prime Minister-led oversight ensures timely decisions and swift resolution of bottlenecks.
- Impact: As of 2024, the PRAGATI platform has helped accelerate over 340 critical projects worth USD 205 billion.

Palmyra Palm Trees
25-08-2025
Source: DTE
Odisha has restricted the felling of Palmyra palm trees due to their ecological and social benefits.
Palmyra Palm Tree (Borassus flabellifer)
- About: It is indigenous to South and Southeast Asia, highly drought-resistant and recognised as the State Tree of Tamil Nadu.
- It is found mainly in Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, West Bengal, and Tamil Nadu.
- It is revered in Tamil culture as Karpaga Vruksham (“celestial tree that gives everything”), and its palm leaf manuscripts were vital in preserving Tamil language and literature for centuries.
- Ecological Role: Its fruits (tala) ripen in July–August, serving as food for elephants during lean seasons and reducing human-elephant conflicts, its tall structure acts as a natural lightning conductor, lowering monsoon fatalities.
- Its deep root system aids groundwater recharge, drought resilience, and soil erosion prevention along water bodies and coasts.
- Significance: Its fruit kernel (nungu) serves as a mineral-rich summer coolant, while palm sugar (panai karuppatti) & jaggery, and beverages like padaneer (sap) and toddy offer healthier traditional alternatives to modern products.
- Leaves support roofing, mats, and handicrafts, and its wood provides construction material and fuel.

Integrated Air Defence Weapon System Under Mission Sudarshan Chakra
25-08-2025
Source: IE
The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully conducted the first flight tests of the Integrated Air Defence Weapon System (IADWS), under Mission Sudarshan Chakra.
- Mission Sudarshan Chakra: Announced on the 79th Independence Day, it is a national security initiative that aims to develop an indigenous Iron Dome-like air defence system (with advanced technologies, and multi-layered defence systems) by 2035 to protect critical civil and defence infrastructure
- The mission aims to neutralize enemy attacks and enable swift counterstrikes, ensuring rapid, precise defence and strengthening India’s strategic autonomy.
- IADWS: It is an advanced, indigenous multi-layered air defence system with QRSAM (Quick Reaction Surface-to-Air Missiles), VSHORADS (Very Short Range Air Defence System), and DEW (Directed Energy Weapon) (a laser-based high-energy system).
- Controlled by a Centralised Command and Control Centre, IADWS ensures real-time detection and neutralization of targets like Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), and missiles.
- IADWS builds on India’s use of S-400, Barak-8, and Akash systems during Operation Sindoor to intercept Pakistani drones and missiles.
- Its successful flight tests mark a major step in strengthening India’s self-reliant and integrated air defence capabilities.
UN High Commissioner for Refugees
25-08-2025
Source: TH
The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) has temporarily suspended voluntary repatriation of Sri Lankan Tamil refugees from India after arrests of returnees in Sri Lanka.
- United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR)
- About: UNHCR is the UN Refugee Agency, established in 1950 by the UN General Assembly to assist people displaced after World War II.
- It is headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland with operations in 137 countries.
- Legal Basis: Guided by the 1951 Refugee Convention and 1967 Protocol, which defines refugees and sets global standards for their rights and protection.
- Functions: It provides refugee protection, humanitarian aid, promotion of durable solutions (asylum, repatriation, integration, resettlement), and support to states in framing refugee policies under international law.
- 1951 Refugee Convention & 1967 Protocol
- About: It forms the foundation of international refugee law, defining a refugee as a person outside their home country, unable/unwilling to return due to a well-founded fear of persecution (based on race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or social group).
- Mandate: It upholds the core principle of non-refoulement, ensuring refugees are not returned to danger, while granting rights to housing, education, work, and legal protection.
- Refugees must respect host country laws, though those guilty of war crimes or serious crimes are excluded from protection.
- India and UNHCR: India is not a signatory to the 1951 Refugee Convention or 1967 Protocol. Refugees are managed under general immigration laws.
- Despite this, India has hosted major refugee groups- Sri Lankan Tamils, Tibetans, Afghans, Rohingyas and collaborates with UNHCR on humanitarian grounds.
Birth Anniversary of Bal Gangadhar Tilak
25-07-2025
Source: PIB
The birth anniversary of Lokmanya Bal Gangadhar Tilak was observed on 23rd July 2025.
Bal Gangadhar Tilak
- About: Born on 23rd July 1856 in Ratnagiri, Maharashtra, Bal Gangadhar Tilak is revered as the Father of Indian Unrest.
- He was among the earliest and strongest advocates of complete independence (Swarajya).
- Tilak, along with Lala Lajpat Rai and Bipin Chandra Pal, formed the iconic Lal-Bal-Pal trio known for their extremist nationalist ideology.
- Surat Split (1907): The Surat Split of 1907 in the Indian National Congress (INC) marked a division between the Extremist and Moderate factions.
- The Extremists, mainly from the Bombay Presidency, backed Tilak or Lajpat Rai for the presidential post, but the split occurred after Rasbehari Ghose was elected as president.
- Contribution in Education: In 1884, Tilak, along with Gopal Ganesh Agarkar and others, co-founded the Deccan Education Society, which later led to the establishment of Fergusson College in Pune in 1885.
- Newspapers: Kesari (Marathi) and Mahratta (English)
- Books: Gita Rahasya, The Orion, and Arctic Home of the Vedas

DHRUVA Policy
25-07-2025
Source: PIB
The Department of Posts has introduced DHRUVA (Digital Hub for Reference and Unique Virtual Address) Policy, a geo-coded digital address system to revolutionize governance, logistics, and service delivery in India.
DHRUVA Policy
- About: It is a pioneering Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) initiative designed to revolutionize the structure and management of addresses across India by assigning a unique digital address to every home.
- Based on Address-as-a-Service (AaaS), it enables secure, consent-based sharing of geo-coded address information through a seamless digital platform.
- It has been developed entirely in India, fostering indigenous technology and domestic innovation.
- Objective: It can reduce delivery costs in e-commerce, postal, and logistics, and enhances resource planning in telecom, broadband, and urban governance.
- Layers: It consists of 2 key layers:
- Digital Postal Index Number (DIGIPIN): DIGIPIN is a 10-digit alphanumeric code that represents exact geographic coordinates (latitude-longitude), created using 4x4 meter grids across India.
- It gives every location a unique identity using geospatial data.
- Digital Address Layer: A user-friendly, consent-based system built on DIGIPIN, letting users create custom labels and descriptive addresses (e.g., house numbers, street names etc) linked to their DIGIPIN.
ICJ’s Advisory on State Duties for Climate Action
25-07-2025
Source: DTE
Why in News?
The International Court of Justice (ICJ) issued a landmark advisory opinion stating that countries can be held legally responsible for their role in driving climate change.
- Earlier in 2021, Vanuatu sought an ICJ advisory opinion on climate change, which gained backing from other UN member states in March 2023.
What is the ICJ’s Stance on State Obligations on Climate Change?
- Climate Action is a Legal Duty: States are obligated under international law to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to climate change.
- Failure is a Wrongful Act: The ICJ affirmed that all countries, regardless of size or development, have climate obligations.
- Failure to act is an “internationally wrongful act” and may lead to liability, including halting harmful actions, preventing repeats, and compensating affected nations.
- This bolsters global calls for climate reparations and “loss and damage” funding.
- Role of Developed Countries: Developed nations (especially those listed in Annex I of the UNFCCC) must take the lead in reducing emissions and supporting others.
- ICJ noted that protecting the climate is part of fulfilling international human rights obligations.
- Significance: The ICJ opinion, though not legally binding, is expected to have huge influence at the 30th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP 30) in Brazil and influence future climate lawsuits.
- It boosts the push for stronger climate action, especially from historically high-emitting countries, and marks a key moment in climate justice by supporting legal accountability.
What is the International Court of Justice (ICJ)?
- About: The ICJ, established in 1945 and active since 1946, is the UN’s principal judicial body.
- It settles legal disputes between states and provides advisory opinions on international law.
- Based in The Hague, Netherlands it's the only UN organ outside New York. Its official languages are English and French.
- The ICJ settles disputes only between states and gives legal opinions, not criminal verdicts.
- Its judgments are final and binding, with no appeal. Under Article 94 of the UN Charter, UN members must comply. Advisory opinions are non-binding.
- Historical Background: The ICJ evolved from global efforts for peaceful dispute resolution, starting with the 1899 Hague Peace Conference, which created the Permanent Court of Arbitration, followed by the Permanent Court of International Justice (PCIJ) under League of Nations (1922). After World War II, the ICJ replaced the PCIJ.
- Composition: The court has 15 judges elected for nine-year terms by the UN General Assembly and Security Council.
- Significance: It promotes peaceful conflict resolution, upholds international law, clarifies global legal norms (e.g. climate change, self-determination), supports human rights, and strengthens multilateral cooperation.
- India’s Engagement With ICJ:
- Right of Passage over Indian Territory (Portugal v. India, 1960): Portugal was granted the right of passage for civilians but India could block military or political access, affirming its sovereignty..
- Kulbhushan Jadhav Case (India v. Pakistan, 2019): ICJ ruled Pakistan violated the Vienna Convention by denying India consular access and ordered review of its sentence.
|
Drishti Mains Question:
Discuss the mandate of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) and its role in climate governance?
|
UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Questions (PYQs)
Prelims
Q. “Rule of Law Index” is released by which of the following? ( 2018)
A. Amnesty International
B. International Court of Justice
C. The Office of the UN Commissioner for Human Rights
D. World Justice Project
Ans: (D)
Mains
Q. Clean energy is the order of the day. Describe briefly India’s changing policy towards climate change in various international fora in the context of geopolitics. (2022)
Thirst Waves
25-06-2025
Global warming is making the air thirstier, causing higher evaporative demand that dries out land and plants—a phenomenon called thirst waves.
Thirst Waves
- About: Thirstwave, a term coined by researchers Meetpal Kukal and Mike Hobbins, refers to a period of three or more consecutive days with extreme atmospheric evaporative demand—reflecting how "thirsty" the air is for moisture.
- Causes: Thirst waves are influenced by temperature, humidity, solar radiation, and wind speed, unlike heatwaves, which are mainly driven by temperature and wind.
- Measurement: It is measured through Short-crop evapotranspiration that measures water loss from a well-watered 12-cm grass surface.
- Rising evapotranspiration indicates higher temperatures, lower humidity, and increased wind speed and solar radiation.
- Impact: Stronger thirst waves lead to faster soil moisture loss, greater irrigation requirements, and a higher risk of crop stress and yield reduction.
- Thirstwaves & India: Studies show that evaporative demand is increasing in parts of India, including Northern India and the Western/Eastern Himalayas, driven by agricultural expansion and vegetation growth.
- While in the past, higher humidity helped offset the impact of rising temperatures, future warming is expected to further raise evaporative demand.
State of Climate in Asia 2024 Report
25-06-2025
The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) released the State of Climate in Asia 2024 report that revealed Asia warmed nearly twice as fast as the global average in 2024, marking its hottest or second-hottest year on record.
Key Findings:
- Unprecedented warming: Asia’s 2024 temperature was 1.04°C above the 1991–2020 average, with warming rates doubling since 1961–1990.
- Heatwaves: In India, extreme heat waves claimed over 450 lives, pushed temperatures to 45–50°C, and, along with storms, caused around 1,300 deaths due to lightning.
- Marine heatwaves impacted around 15 million sq km, particularly the northern Indian Ocean and seas near Japan, China.
- Tropical Cyclones: In Asia, 29 tropical cyclones struck in 2024, with the deadliest being Cyclone Yagi (Philippines, Vietnam, Hong Kong, Macau, China, Laos, Thailand, and Myanmar)
- Glacial Retreat: Glaciers continued to lose mass, as 23 out of 24 glaciers in High Mountain Asia (Himalayas, Pamir Mountains, Karakoram, and Hindu Kush) showed decline, with Urumqi Glacier No. 1 (Tian Shan) recording its highest melt since 1959.
- WMO, headquartered in Geneva, is an intergovernmental body with 193 Member States and Territories, including India.
- It evolved from the International Meteorological Organization (IMO), founded after the 1873 Vienna Congress.
Indigenous TnpB-Based Gene Editing Technology
24-11-2025
Source: IE
Why in News?
Indian scientists at ICAR’s Central Rice Research Institute (CRRI), Cuttack, have developed a new indigenous genome-editing technology using TnpB proteins, offering a compact, low-cost and IP-free alternative to the globally patented CRISPR-Cas systems.
- In another development, CSIR–Institute of Genomics & Integrative Biology (IGIB) has developed “BIRSA 101”, India’s first indigenous CRISPR-based gene therapy for Sickle Cell Disease, marking a major scientific breakthrough.
What is India’s Indigenous TnpB-Based Genome Editing Tool?
- About: It uses TnpB (Transposon-associated proteins) instead of CRISPR-Cas9 or Cas12a, functioning as a miniature molecular scissor that enables precise Deoxy-Ribonucleic Acid (DNA) cuts and edits in plants.
- Because TnpB is extremely small (about 408 amino acids compared with 1,000–1,400 for Cas9 and around 1,300 for Cas12a) it can be delivered into plant cells far more easily, often without the complex tissue-culture steps required for bulkier Cas proteins.
- Significance: TnpB-Based Genome Editing Tool reduces dependence on foreign CRISPR patents held by global institutions like Broad Institute and Corteva.
- It enables affordable, commercial genome-edited (GE) crops without paying high licensing fees.
- It supports Atmanirbhar Bharat in agri-biotechnology and boosts India’s capacity for next-generation GE crops and addresses concerns that GE tools are controlled by foreign multinationals, giving India full technological sovereignty.
What is BIRSA 101?
- About: BIRSA 101 works as a precise gene-editing therapy that directly corrects the mutation responsible for Sickle Cell Disease.
- The therapy is named “BIRSA 101” in honour of Bhagwan Birsa Munda, the tribal freedom fighter. The name is a symbolic tribute to recognise the high burden of Sickle Cell Disease among India’s tribal communities.
- BIRSA 101 uses the engineered enFnCas9 (enhanced Francisella novicida Cas9) CRISPR platform developed by IGIB.
- Significance: It offers a low-cost alternative to global therapies such as Casgevy, priced at USD 2.2 million.
- The technology transferred to the Serum Institute of India to ensure large-scale, low-cost, and accessible deployment.
- BIRSA 1010 represents a major step toward the goal of a Sickle Cell–Free India by 2047.
- It strengthens India’s leadership in Atmanirbhar Bharat, genomic medicine, and affordable advanced therapeutics.

What is Genome Editing?
- About: Genome editing is a set of techniques like CRISPR (Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats), that allow scientists to precisely cut, alter, or replace specific DNA sequences within an organism’s genome.
- It creates targeted mutations in genes already present in the organism, without adding foreign DNA.
- CRISPR: It is a powerful gene-editing tool. It uses a guide RNA to locate a specific sequence in the genome and directs a Cas enzyme (usually Cas9 or Cas12a) to that spot.
- The Cas enzyme acts as a molecular scissor, cutting the DNA at the targeted point after which the cell repairs the break.
- Cas9 is widely used for simple cuts, while Cas12a offers higher precision and works with different guide RNA structures.
- This repair process allows scientists to switch off a gene, fix a mutation, or insert a new DNA sequence with high accuracy.
- Applications
- Medicine: Correcting genetic diseases, developing gene therapies (e.g., sickle cell disease).
- Agriculture: Creating climate-resilient, high-yield, disease-resistant crops.
- Research: Helps in understanding gene functions and developing new biological tools.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is India’s indigenous TnpB-based genome-editing tool?
It is a compact, IP-free genome editor developed by Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) - Central Rice Research Institute (CRRI) using TnpB proteins, enabling precise DNA edits in plants without costly CRISPR patents.
2. Why is TnpB considered better for plant genome editing?
TnpB is extremely small (408 amino acids), making it easier to deliver into plant cells and reducing the need for complex tissue-culture steps required for Cas9/Cas12a.
3. What is BIRSA 101 and who developed it?
BIRSA 101 is India’s first indigenous CRISPR-based gene therapy for Sickle Cell Disease, developed by Council of Scientific & Industrial Research-Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology (CSIR–IGIB) using the engineered enFnCas9 platform.
4. Why is BIRSA 101 important for India’s tribal communities?
Sickle Cell Disease has a high prevalence among tribal populations, and BIRSA 101 offers a potential one-time curative therapy at low cost.
UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Question (PYQ)
Prelims
Q. What is Cas9 protein that is often mentioned in news? (2019)
(a) A molecular scissors used in targeted gene editing
(b) A biosensor used in the accurate detection of pathogens in patients
(c) A gene that makes plants pest-resistant
(d) A herbicidal substance synthesized in genetically modified crops
Ans: (a)
Mains
Q. What are the research and developmental achievements in applied biotechnology? How will these achievements help to uplift the poorer sections of society? (2021)
Seychelles Joins Colombo Security Conclave (CSC)
24-11-2025
Source: TH
Why in News?
The 7th National Security Adviser (NSA) - level meeting of the Colombo Security Conclave (CSC) was held in New Delhi, where Seychelles was inducted as the 6th full member, marking a significant expansion of the grouping and strengthening its role in safeguarding the Indian Ocean Region.
What are the Key Facts About the Colombo Security Conclave (CSC)?
- About: CSC is a regional security grouping comprising India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Maldives, Mauritius, and Seychelles.
- It aims to strengthen regional security by addressing transnational threats and challenges shared by member states.
- The grouping brings together National Security Advisors (NSAs) and Deputy NSAs for coordinated security cooperation
- Origin and Evolution: It began in 2011 as the Trilateral Maritime Security Cooperation between India, Maldives, and Sri Lanka.
- Activity stalled after 2014 due to India–Maldives tensions and shifting geopolitical dynamics.
- Revived and rebranded as the CSC in 2020. Membership expanded with Mauritius (2022), Bangladesh (2024) and Seychelles (2025).
- Objective: Promote regional security by addressing transnational threats and challenges of common concern to the Member States.
- Pillars of Cooperation:
- Maritime safety and security
- Countering terrorism and radicalisation
- Combating trafficking and transnational organised crime
- Cyber security and protection of critical infrastructure
- Humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR)
- Institutional Structure: It has a permanent secretariat in Colombo, providing continuity and coordination for the grouping.
- CSC operates through meetings of NSAs and Deputy NSAs of the member countries.
- Significance for India: The CSC is significant for strengthening India’s strategic influence in the Indian Ocean Region by fostering coordinated maritime security, counter-terrorism cooperation, and cyber resilience among six like-minded coastal states.
- By institutionalising regular NSA-level dialogue, the CSC reinforces India’s neighbourhood-first and SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) vision and contributes to a more stable, secure, and rules-based regional order.
Seychelles
- Seychelles is a sovereign island nation and archipelagic state of 155 islands, located in the western Indian Ocean, northeast of Madagascar and off the east coast of mainland Africa.
- The islands of Seychelles are situated on the Mascarene Plateau, an extensive submarine plateau in the Indian Ocean.
- It is Africa’s smallest and least populated country.
- Capital: Victoria (on Mahé Island).
- Strategic Importance for India: It sits along crucial maritime trade routes in the Indian Ocean and plays a key role in anti-piracy operations, maritime security, and the Blue Economy.
- Seychelles is a vital partner in India’s SAGAR vision and Indian Ocean diplomacy.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the Colombo Security Conclave (CSC)?
CSC is a regional security grouping of Indian Ocean states—India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Maldives, Mauritius and Seychelles—focused on cooperative responses to maritime and transnational security challenges.
2. Why is Seychelles’ membership important for CSC?
Seychelles’ strategic location and large EEZ strengthen CSC’s western IOR footprint, enhancing maritime surveillance, anti-piracy cooperation and Blue Economy partnerships under India’s SAGAR initiative.
3. What are the five pillars of cooperation under CSC?
CSC focuses on maritime safety & security, counter-terrorism & radicalisation, combating trafficking & transnational organised crime, cybersecurity & protection of critical infrastructure, and humanitarian assistance & disaster relief (HADR).
4. How does CSC support India’s strategic objectives in the IOR?
By institutionalising NSA-level dialogue and operational cooperation, CSC reinforces India’s role as a regional security provider, counters external influence, and promotes a rules-based maritime order.
Womaniya Initiative
24-11-2025
Source: PIB
The Government e-Marketplace (GeM), and UN Women have signed an MoU under the Womaniya initiative to boost women entrepreneurs’ participation in public procurement and advancing SDG 5 (Gender Equality).
Womaniya Initiative
- About: Launched in 2019, the Womaniya initiative on GeM supports women entrepreneurship by helping women-led MSEs, SHGs, artisans, and marginalized women sell directly to the government.
- Objective: Addresses the triple challenge faced by women entrepreneurs-access to markets, access to finance, and access to value-addition.
- It also supports the goal of reserving 3% of government procurement for women-owned businesses.
- Scale & Impact: According to the Udyam Registration Portal, women-owned MSMEs make up 20.5% of all MSMEs, contribute 18.73% to employment, and account for 11.15% of total investment.
GeM
- About: GeM, launched in 2016 by the Ministry of Commerce, is an online platform that Central and State Government Ministries, Departments, PSUs, and related bodies use to procure goods and services.
- Objective: It aims to promote transparency, efficiency, and fairness in government procurement, reducing delays and curbing corruption, with independent assessments like the World Bank noting nearly 10% cost savings.
- Inclusivity: It empowers over 10 lakh MSEs, 1.3 lakh artisans and weavers, 1.84 lakh women entrepreneurs, and 31,000 startups in the GeM ecosystem.
- Also, GeM has introduced GeMAI, India’s first generative AI-powered public sector chatbot, with voice and text support in 10 Indian languages.
Humboldt Penguin
24-11-2025
Source: DD
Chile has reclassified the Humboldt penguin (Spheniscus humboldti) as endangered, reflecting growing concern as the species faces a sharp population decline along its Pacific coastline.
- Habitat Range: The Humboldt penguin is found along the coastal regions of Peru and Chile, particularly along the Humboldt Current in the Pacific Ocean, with nearly 80% of the global population occurring along Chile’s coastline.
- Distinct Features: It is recognizable by a white C-shaped band on the head, a black breast band, and a pink fleshy patch around the eyes.
- Diet: Carnivorous, feeding mainly on anchovies, sardines, herring, and small marine organisms.
- Behaviour: Nests in burrows, caves, or guano deposits; does not form large chick crèches unlike many penguin species.
- Conservation Status: Classified as Vulnerable by the IUCN and listed under CITES Appendix I.
- The population has been severely impacted by El Niño events, commercial fishing pressure, habitat loss, pollution, bird flu, and climate change, all of which disrupt breeding success and reduce food availability.

‘Atomic Stencils’ Enable Precision Design of Nanoparticles
24-10-2025
Source: TH
Researchers have developed an atomic stenciling technique to precisely apply polymer patches onto microscopic gold nanoparticles, allowing unprecedented control over their structure.
- Process: The process has two key steps:
- Atomic Stenciling (The Masking): The researchers use iodide atoms as an "atomic stencil" or mask. These atoms are engineered to selectively bond and stick only to specific, flat crystal faces of the gold nanoparticle.
- Polymer Painting (The Patching): A polymer solution is then introduced. The polymer material only bonds to the unmasked, exposed gold surfaces, forming a precise patch exactly where intended.
- The patches so formed are so uniform that the nanoparticles could spontaneously self-assemble into highly ordered 3D crystals (superlattices), representing a major milestone in nanomaterials science that was previously largely theoretical.
- Benefits: The method allows for atomic-level control over the patch's size, shape, and location, enabling the creation of over 20 distinct types of patterned nanoparticles (e.g., corner patches, face patches, web designs).
- Applications: This control is a crucial step toward creating metamaterials with properties not found in nature.
- Potential applications include targeted drug delivery, ultra-efficient catalysts, advanced electronics, and smart materials.
Stenciling is a technique for applying a design or pattern to a surface by passing ink, paint, or another medium through a cut-out template (the stencil).
- The key principle is that the stencil acts as a barrier, blocking the medium from reaching the surface everywhere except the open, cut-out areas, which form the design.
EPF New Withdrawal Rules 2025
24-10-2025
Source: TH
Why in News?
The Central Board of Trustees (CBT) of the Employees Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) approved new guidelines for partial and premature withdrawal of Provident Fund (PF) funds, aiming to enhance the “ease of living” for subscribers.
What are the EPF New Withdrawal Provisions 2025?
- Simplified Rules: 13 complex withdrawal provisions merged into three categories – essential needs (illness, education, marriage), housing, and special circumstances.
- Employer Contribution: Members can now withdraw from both employee and employer contributions.
- Minimum Balance Rule: Members must maintain at least 25% of their contribution balance at all times, ensuring a financial cushion and long-term security.
- Premature Withdrawal During Unemployment: 75% of PF can be withdrawn immediately after leaving a job.
- Full 100% withdrawal allowed if unemployed for 12 months (previously 2 months).
- The final pension amount can be withdrawn only after 36 months, instead of 2 months earlier.
- The change aims to help members accumulate a sufficient pension corpus by discouraging early full withdrawals, as about 50% of members had less than Rs 20,000 at final settlement.
- Flexibility: Withdrawals for marriage, house purchase, education, illness, or emergencies can now be made earlier and more frequently.

What is an Employees Provident Fund (EPF)?
- About: EPF is a social security and retirement savings scheme for salaried employees in India. It is administered by the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) under the Ministry of Labour and Employment and is governed by the Employees’ Provident Funds &
- The PF account benefits are extended to all the establishments which employ 20 or more persons.Miscellaneous Provisions Act, 1952.
- Membership: All employees of eligible establishments can become members from the date of joining.
- Membership provides access to Provident Fund (PF) savings, Pension benefits, and Insurance benefits.
- Members must submit a nomination at the time of joining.
- Contribution Structure: Employers and employees both contribute around 12% of wages in contribution accounts.
- Further, the employers also contribute towards administration of the benefits under the EPF & MP Act.
- Funds earn interest declared annually by the Government of India.
- Benefits: EPF provides long-term savings for retirement while allowing partial withdrawals for housing, education, marriage, illness, and special circumstances.
- It ensures financial security for employees and their families in case of resignation, retirement, or death.
- Members can also access online services such as e-passbook, PF account transfer, and claims.
Employees Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO)
- EPFO is a statutory body under the Employees’ Provident Funds & Miscellaneous Provisions Act, 1952.
- It is governed by the tripartite Central Board of Trustees (CBT), comprising government, employer, and employee representatives, chaired by the Union Labour Minister.
- EPFO Administers Three Schemes:
- Employees’ Provident Fund (EPF), 1952, which provides retirement savings.
- Employees’ Pension Scheme (EPS), 1995, which offers pension after 58 years of age for employees with a minimum of 10 years of service.
- Employees’ Deposit Linked Insurance (EDLI), 1976, which provides insurance benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the Employees’ Provident Fund (EPF)?
EPF is a social security and retirement savings scheme for salaried employees in India, administered by EPFO under the Ministry of Labour and Employment.
2. Who can become a member of EPF?
All employees in establishments with 20 or more workers are eligible from the date of joining, providing access to PF savings, pension, and insurance benefits.
3. What schemes are administered by EPFO?
EPFO administers three schemes: Employees’ Provident Fund (EPF), Employees’ Pension Scheme (EPS), and Employees’ Deposit Linked Insurance (EDLI).
UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Questions (PYQs)
Prelims
Q. With reference to casual workers employed in India, consider the following statements:
1. All casual workers are entitled for Employees Provident Fund Coverage.
2. All casual workers are entitled for regular working hours and overtime payment.
3. The government can by a notification specify that an establishment or industry shall pay wages only through its bank account.
Which of the above statements are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Ans: D
Defence Procurement Manual (DPM) 2025
24-10-2025
Source: PIB
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh released the Defence Procurement Manual (DPM) 2025, effective from 1st November 2025, to simplify procedures, ensure uniformity, and boost Armed Forces’ operational preparedness.
- Defence Procurement Manual: It is a guideline issued by India’s Ministry of Defence that lays out the procedures, rules, and policies for acquiring goods, services, and equipment for the Armed Forces.
- It ensures transparency, accountability, and efficiency in defence purchases while promoting indigenisation, ease of doing business, and operational readiness.
- Salient features of DPM 2025:
- Effective & Scope: Will govern revenue procurement worth approximately Rs 1 lakh crore by the three Services and other establishments under the Ministry of Defence.
- Relaxed Liquidated Damages (LD): LD levied on delayed delivery of stores and services, have been relaxed with a maximum of 10% for delays and 0.1% per week for indigenisation projects instead of 0.5% in other cases.
- Assured Orders: Items developed under indigenisation can get orders up to 5 years or more.
- No NOC Requirement: Procurement from sources other than Ordnance Factory Board no longer needs No Objection Certificate.
Unified Payments Interface
24-07-2025
Source: PIB
Why in News?
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) released a note titled Growing Retail Digital Payments: The Value of Interoperability, emphasizing the role of the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) in transforming India's digital payment ecosystem.
What is Unified Payments Interface (UPI)?
- About: UPI is a real-time mobile payment system developed by National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI)
- It allows users to link multiple bank accounts into one app for seamless peer-to-peer and merchant transactions.
- Working: UPI enables both push (send) and pull (receive) transactions using a Virtual Payment Address (VPA), with two-factor authentication, eliminating the need to enter bank details each time.
- Technologies Used: UPI is built on IMPS (Immediate Payment Service) and integrates Aadhaar Enabled Payment System (AePS).
- IMPS facilitates funds transfer to an account of the beneficiary with a participating bank, based on beneficiary's Mobile Number & Mobile Money Identification Number (MMID) or Account number & Indian Financial System Code (IFSC).
- The AePS allows basic banking services like cash withdrawal, deposit, balance enquiry, and money transfer (interbank or intrabank) using Aadhaar authentication.
- BHIM App: Bharat Interface for Money (BHIM) is a UPI-based payment app developed by NPCI.
How Has UPI Transformed India’s Digital Payment Ecosystem?
- Scale and Adoption: UPI processed Rs 24.03 lakh crore through 18.39 billion transactions in June 2025.
- UPI now serves 491 million users and 65 million merchants, connecting over 675 banks on one platform.
- India’s UPI is now the world’s top real-time payment system, processing over 640 million daily transactions more than Visa’s 639 million and powers 85% of India’s digital payments and nearly 50% of global real-time payments.
- UPI has integrated digital payments into daily life in India, enabling instant 24/7 transactions and easy management of all bank accounts through one app.
- Two-factor authentication ensures safety, while UPI IDs protect privacy by avoiding the need to share sensitive bank details. Quick Response (QR) codes make payments at shops fast and easy.
- Interoperability: UPI enabled seamless, platform-agnostic payments by removing the limits of closed-loop systems like restricted wallets or bank-specific transfers.
- It allows users to transact across different apps and banks, making digital payments easier and more flexible.
- This openness also pushed apps to compete and improve, driving innovation and better user experience.
- Financial Inclusion: UPI’s zero-cost, real-time transfers have made digital payments accessible for small vendors and first-time users.
- It has empowered millions of kirana stores and micro-businesses, while also promoting digital literacy and building trust in digital finance.
- Global Reach and Diplomacy: UPI is now live in 7 countries, including the UAE, Singapore, Bhutan, Nepal, Sri Lanka, France, and Mauritius.
- Its launch in France marks its entry into Europe. India is also pushing for UPI to be adopted across BRICS nations, which would boost remittances and simplify payments for Indians abroad.
Digital Foundation Behind UPI
- UPI’s global success is rooted in years of investment in digital infrastructure, with India building a strong foundation through the JAM trinity (Jan Dhan Yojana (financial inclusion), Aadhaar (digital identity), and Mobile connectivity) along with affordable internet.
- As of mid-July 2025, Jan Dhan Yojana opened over 55.9 crore bank accounts, bringing millions into the formal financial system and enabling direct benefit transfers.
- Aadhaar gave every resident a unique biometric-linked identity. With over 142 crore Aadhaar numbers generated by June 2025, it enabled secure authentication and underpinned services like UPI.
- Connectivity improved rapidly with one of the world’s fastest 5G rollouts (4.74 lakh base stations now cover almost all districts).
- Data costs dropped from Rs 308/GB in 2014 to Rs 9.34 in 2022, supporting 116 crore mobile users.
- These pillars made UPI the world’s top real-time payment system and a global model for digital finance.
UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Questions (PYQs)
Prelims
Q1. With reference to digital payments, consider the following statements: (2018)
- BHIM app allows the user to transfer money to anyone with a UPI-enabled bank account.
- While a chip-pin debit card has four factors of authentication, BHIM app has only two factors of authentication.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Ans: (a)
Q2. Which of the following is a most likely consequence of implementing the ‘Unified Payments Interface (UPI)’? (2017)
(a) Mobile wallets will not be necessary for online payments.
(b) Digital currency will totally replace the physical currency in about two decades.
(c) FDI inflows will drastically increase.
(d) Direct transfer of subsidies to poor people will become very effective.
Ans: (a)
Q3. Consider the following statements: (2017)
- National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) helps in promoting the financial inclusion in the country.
- NPCI has launched RuPay, a card payment scheme.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Ans: (c)
Hornbill Conservation Centre
24-07-2025
Source: TH
The Tamil Nadu government has announced the establishment of India’s first Centre of Excellence for Hornbill Conservation at the Anamalai Tiger Reserve (ATR).
- Focus Hornbill Species: It will focus on conserving four species found in the Western Ghats i.e., Great Hornbill, Malabar Grey Hornbill, Malabar Pied Hornbill, and Indian Grey Hornbill.
- Expansion: Alongside ATR, it will extend to Kalakkad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve, Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve, and parts of Kanyakumari.
- Broader Conservation Strategy: This marks another milestone in Tamil Nadu's conservation journey, following the Dugong Conservation Reserve, Nilgiri Tahr Project, Slender Loris Conservation Centre, and AI-powered elephant conservation.
Hornbill
- About: Hornbills are large, wide-ranging, fruit-eating birds that primarily inhabit tropical forests (tall trees).
- Unique Traits: Hornbills have large curved beaks, booming calls, and distinctive wing beats.
- During breeding, the female seals a tree cavity, and the male feeds her through a narrow slit.
- Hornbill Species in India: India hosts 9 species, with 4 in the Western Ghats(Nature Conservation Foundation).
- The Great Hornbill is widely distributed, and the Narcondam Hornbill is endemic to Narcondam Island.
- Ecological Role: They serve as vital seed dispersers, earning the title “farmers of the forest,” and function as keystone species.

Bharat NCX 2025
24-07-2025
Source: PIB
Bharat NCX 2025, India’s premier national cybersecurity exercise ( 21st July– 1st August, 2025), was inaugurated with the theme ‘Enhancing the Operational Preparedness of Indian Cyberspace’.
- Organizers: Conducted by National Security Council Secretariat (NSCS) in collaboration with Rashtriya Raksha University (RRU).
- Objective: Strengthen cyber resilience through real-world attack simulations (critical infrastructure breaches, deepfakes, and AI-driven malware).
- Special Initiatives:
- Strategic Decision-Making Exercise (STRATEX): Enhances senior leadership response to national cyber crises.
- Chief Information Security Officers Conclave: Engages top security officers to discuss emerging trends and frameworks.
- Cybersecurity Startup Exhibition: Showcases indigenous innovations strengthening digital self-reliance.

Rare Donor Registry Integrated with e-Rakt Kosh
24-06-2025
Why in News?
The Union Health Ministry is integrating the Rare Donor Registry of India (RDRI) with e-Rakt Kosh to enable real-time access to rare blood types (such as Bombay, Rh-null, P-Null) and improve nationwide coordination among blood banks.
What is Rare Donor Registry of India (RDRI)?
- About: The Rare Donor Registry of India (RDRI) is a national database of rare blood group donors.
- It was developed by the Indian Council of Medical Research–National Institute of Immunohaematology (ICMR-NIIH) in collaboration with leading medical institutes.
- Purpose and Need: RDRI supports patients who require specially matched transfusions, particularly those suffering from thalassemia, sickle cell disease, and other rare conditions.
- Scope & Coverage: The registry includes over 4,000 screened donors, tested for more than 300 rare blood markers.
- It focuses on blood groups that either lack high-frequency antigens or have uncommon antigen combinations.
- Significance for People with Rare Blood Types: Rare blood groups are difficult to match. Transfusing incompatible blood may cause alloimmunisation, where the patient develops antibodies against transfused blood, complicating future treatments.
What is e-Rakt Kosh?
- About: e-Rakt Kosh is a centralized digital blood bank management system developed by CDAC under the National Health Mission.
- It provides real-time information on blood availability, donation camps, and blood banks across India.
- The platform connects donors, hospitals, and blood banks, enabling efficient tracking and safe transfusions.
Blood
- About: Blood is a vital fluid that transports oxygen, nutrients, hormones, and waste throughout the body.
- Produced in the bone marrow, blood also aids in immunity, healing, and waste removal via the liver and kidneys. An average adult has about 5 litres of blood.
- Components: It consists of 45% cells (red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets) and 55% plasma, a fluid that carries proteins, vitamins, and minerals.

- Blood Types or Groups: There are 4 main blood groups/ types of blood: A, B, AB and O.

UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Question (PYQ)
Q. A married couple adopted a male child. A few years later, twin boys were born to them. The blood group of the couple is AB positive and O negative. The blood group of the three sons is A positive, B positive and O positive. The blood group of the adopted son is(2011)
(a) O positive (b) A positive (c) B positive (d) Cannot be determined on the basis of the given data
Ans: (a)
|
Croatia
24-06-2025
The Prime Minister of India met with the Croatian President as part of his 3-nation tour (Cyprus, Canada & Croatia) following his attendance at the 2025 G7 Summit in Canada.
Croatia (Republic of Croatia)
- Location: It lies at the junction of Central and Southeast Europe, along the Adriatic Sea.
- It shares land borders with Slovenia, Hungary, Serbia, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Montenegro, and a maritime boundary with Italy.
- Historically, Croatia was part of Yugoslavia until it gained independence in 1991, followed by reconstruction and democratic reforms.
- Geography & Climate: It features fertile plains, hilly and mountainous terrain (including the Dinaric Alps with Dinara Peak – 1,831 m), and a rugged coastal region.
- It has a continental climate inland with hot summers and cold winters, and a Mediterranean climate along the coast with mild winters and dry summers.

- Rivers and Lakes: Major rivers include the Danube, Sava, Drava, Krka, Kupa, Una, and Cetina, and major lakes are Plitvice Lakes (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) and Lake Vrana.
- Its capital Zagreb, situated on the Sava River, is the administrative and economic centre.
- It is a member of both the European Union and NATO.
Reusable Launch Vehicle (RLV) Technology
24-01-2026
Source: TH
Why in News?
The global space sector is shifting from government-led exploration to private-driven commercial activity, with Reusable Launch Vehicle (RLV) technology emerging as a key disruptor.
- As the market is projected to exceed USD 1 trillion by 2030, reusability has reduced launch costs by 5–20 times, enabling more sustainable and frequent access to space.
What are the Key Facts About the Reusable Launch Vehicle (RLV) Technology?
- About: An RLV is a space launch system designed to allow for the recovery of some or all of its component stages.
- Unlike "expendable" rockets that burn up or are discarded in the ocean, RLVs return to Earth to be refurbished and flown again.
- Goal: To shift the space industry from a "disposable" model to a "transportation" model (like aviation), significantly reducing the cost of access to space.
- Scientific Constraint Behind RLVs: Rocket motion is governed by the Tsiolkovsky rocket equation, which shows that carrying fuel itself adds weight, and additional weight demands even more fuel.
- Consequently, over 90% of a rocket’s mass consists of propellant and fuel tanks, leaving less than 4% for payload.
- RLV technology addresses this inefficiency by reusing expensive rocket hardware across multiple missions, significantly reducing per-launch costs.
- Role of Staging: Staging divides a rocket into multiple propulsion units that are discarded sequentially during ascent to shed dead weight.
- This improves performance by allowing the remaining rocket to accelerate with reduced mass.
- Traditional vehicles like PSLV and LVM-3 use fully expendable staging, whereas RLV systems aim to recover and reuse critical stages, especially the first stage, combining staging with reusability for maximum efficiency.
- RLV Mechanism:
- Launch: RLV or reusable stage is launched like a conventional rocket to deliver payload to orbit.
- Stage separation: After burnout, the reusable stage separates from the upper stage.
- Re-entry control: The stage re-enters the atmosphere using guidance, navigation, and control systems to maintain stability.
- Deceleration: Aerodynamic drag and/or retro-propulsion (engine relight) are used to reduce speed and heat load.
- Recovery: The vehicle lands vertically on a pad/barge or horizontally on a runway (winged RLV).
- Vertical Take-off, Vertical Landing (VTVL): The rocket lands upright on a pad or barge using controlled engine burns.
- Horizontal Landing (Winged Body): A winged RLV glides back and lands on a runway like an aircraft.
- Refurbishment: Post-flight inspection, repair, and testing enable multiple reuses, lowering per-launch.
- Limitations:
- Thermal Stress: Re-entry generates extreme heat. Engines and materials suffer fatigue and micro-fractures, requiring expensive Thermal Protection Systems (TPS).
- Refurbishment Costs and Time: Rise with each reuse and can reduce economic gains beyond a point.
- Risk management challenges, as higher reuse demands stricter inspection and testing to maintain reliability.
ISRO's Reusability Initiatives
- Reusable Launch Vehicle – Technology Demonstrator (RLV-TD) (Pushpak): A winged technology demonstrator that simulates an aircraft-like landing.
- ADMIRE: ISRO's test bed for Vertical Landing technology (VTVL), aiming to develop retro-propulsion capabilities similar to Falcon 9.
- NGLV (Project Soorya): The Next Generation Launch Vehicle is being designed to replace Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV). It will feature a reusable first stage using vertical landing technology.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is a Reusable Launch Vehicle (RLV)?
An RLV is a launch system designed to recover and reuse rocket stages instead of discarding them, significantly reducing launch costs.
2. Why is reusability critical to the commercial space sector?
Reusability lowers launch costs by 5–20 times, enables frequent missions, and makes space access economically sustainable.
3. What scientific constraint makes space launches expensive?
The Tsiolkovsky rocket equation shows that rockets must carry enormous fuel mass, leaving less than 4% of total mass for payload.
4. How does staging improve rocket efficiency?
Staging sheds dead weight during ascent, allowing the remaining rocket to accelerate more efficiently with reduced mass.
5. What are India’s key initiatives in reusable launch technology?
ISRO is developing winged RLVs through RLV-TD (Pushpak), VTVL capability via ADMIRE, and a reusable first stage under NGLV (Project Soorya).
UPSC Civil Services Examination Previous Year Question (PYQ)
Prelims
Q. With reference to India’s satellite launch vehicles, consider the following statements: (2018)
- PSLVs launch the satellites useful for Earth resources monitoring whereas GSLVs are designed mainly to launch communication satellites.
- Satellites launched by PSLV appear to remain permanently fixed in the same position in the sky, as viewed from a particular location on Earth.
- GSLV Mk III is a four-staged launch vehicle with the first and third stages using solid rocket motors; and the second and fourth stages using liquid rocket engines.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3
(c) 1 and 2
(d) 3 only
Ans: (a)

Dugong
24-01-2026
Source: TH
The Expert Appraisal Committee (EAC) of the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) has recommended a major design overhaul of the proposed International Dugong Conservation Centre in Manora, Thanjavur (Tamil Nadu).
Dugong
- About: The dugong is a large marine mammal featuring a dolphin-like tail, and can grow up to 10 feet in length and weigh around 420 kg. They are also called sea cows and farmers of the sea.
- Habitat & Diet: They are strictly herbivorous, feeding primarily on seagrass meadows, living in shallow, warm coastal waters (<10m depth) like bays and lagoons.
- Indian Distribution: Found in the Gulf of Kutch, Gulf of Mannar–Palk Bay, and Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
- Behaviour & Reproduction: They are long-lived (up to 70 years), typically solitary or in small pairs. They have a slow reproductive cycle, reaching maturity at 9–10 years and giving birth only every 3–5 years.
- Conservation Status: Listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List, protected under Appendix I of CITES (banning international trade), and under Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.

Seagrass
- Seagrass is an underwater flowering plant and vital wetland ecosystem that stabilizes the seafloor, supports fisheries, sequesters carbon, and shelters marine life.
- India’s largest meadows, found in the Gulf of Mannar and Palk Bay (Tamil Nadu), host its highest diversity with over 13 species, while populations in Lakshadweep, Kachchh, Andhra Pradesh, and Odisha are limited and increasingly threatened.

Scientists Plan World’s First Graviton Detector
24-01-2026
Source: TH
Researchers from Stevens Institute of Technology and Yale University are developing an experiment aimed at detecting gravitons, the hypothetical quantum particles believed to carry gravity, bridging the gap between quantum mechanics and general relativity.
Graviton
- About: A graviton is a hypothetical elementary particle believed to carry the force of gravity, similar to how photons carry electromagnetic force. Detecting gravitons would confirm gravity as a quantum force, a major breakthrough in physics.
- Detection Method: The proposed detector is a superfluid helium resonator, cooled to its quantum ground state to eliminate noise. When a gravitational wave passes through, it could transfer one quantum of energy (a graviton), causing a phonon (vibration) detectable by lasers.
- Detection Challenges: Gravity is the weakest of the four fundamental forces (Gravity, electromagnetism, strong and weak nuclear forces), making graviton interaction with matter extremely rare. A graviton can pass through matter almost without interaction, giving it an extremely small detection probability.
- Limitations: Even if a vibration is detected, it may still be explainable by classical gravity. Previous studies suggest that creating a detector capable of capturing a single graviton may be practically impossible.
- Significance: Successful graviton detection would be a landmark breakthrough, opening pathways toward a unified theory of physics and deeper understanding of the universe.

DoT De-licenses Half of 6 GHz Band
24-01-2026
Source: TH
The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has officially de-licensed the lower half of the 6GHz frequency band for indoor use, paving the way for the adoption of WiFi 6E and WiFi 7 technologies in India.
- Spectrum: The invisible radio frequencies used for wireless communication, ranging from 20 KHz to 300 GHz (a subset of the larger electromagnetic spectrum).
- 2.4 GHz: Offers wide coverage (passes through walls) but has limited data speed.
- 5 GHz: Offers high speed but has a shorter range.
- WiFi 6: Uses both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz simultaneously for greater efficiency.
- 6 GHz: Operates in the 5,925–7,125 MHz range, offering ultra-high theoretical speeds of 9.6 Gbps.
- Spectrum Allocation: The 6 GHz frequency range of 5,925–6,425 MHz is now license-free. This provides an "extra strand" of spectrum for routers, reducing congestion on the legacy 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands.
- This move enables “Multi-Link Operation” (MLO), a key feature of WiFi 7 that allows devices to transmit data across multiple bands (2.4GHz, 5GHz, and 6GHz) simultaneously, ensuring higher speeds and lower latency.
- Critical Use Cases: The 6GHz band is essential for high-bandwidth applications like Virtual Reality (VR), Augmented Reality (AR), and high-fidelity cloud gaming, as it allows massive data flow with minimal lag.
- Global Context: India has adopted a balanced approach similar to Europe, splitting the 6GHz band between unlicensed use (for WiFi) and licensed use (potentially for 5G/6G), unlike the US (fully de-licensed) or China (reserved for mobile).
- Operational Restrictions: The de-licensed use is strictly for indoor environments.
- It remains prohibited on moving vehicles (cars, trains) and oil rigs to prevent interference with other critical services.
- Market Impact: This decision removes regulatory uncertainty, allowing the launch of advanced hardware (e.g., Sony’s PlayStation 5 Pro) that was previously withheld from the Indian market due to spectrum restrictions.

INSV Kaundinya Reached Oman
24-01-2026
Source: PIB
INSV Kaundinya reached Muscat’s Port Sultan Qaboos after completing its maiden voyage from Porbandar (Gujarat), highlighting the shared maritime heritage of India and Oman.
INSV Kaundinya
- About: INSV Kaundinya is India’s first ‘stitched ship’ built using the ancient stitched shipbuilding (Tankai) method. It aims to revive the 2000-year-old Tankai method, a forgotten indigenous technique.
- Tankai Method: An ancient technique using stitched planks (with coir ropes) and no metal fasteners (like iron nails), making ships flexible and rust-proof.
- Employs indigenous materials like coir, dammar resin, and animal fat for waterproofing.
- Involves a unique hull-first construction, unlike Western frame-first methods.
- Design & Inspiration: Modeled after vessels depicted in the 5th-century Ajanta cave paintings. The design draws inspiration from the ancient Sanskrit text Yuktikalpataru (by King Bhoja, 9th century CE) and accounts of foreign travellers.
- Features symbolic motifs like the Gandabherunda (two-headed eagle of the Kadamba dynasty emblem), Sun motifs, Simha Yali (mythical lion), and a Harappan-style stone anchor.
- Historical Significance: Named after Kaundinya, a legendary 1st-century Indian mariner to make overseas voyages with global historical impact. Kaundinya is credited with sailing to the Mekong Delta and co-founding the Kingdom of Funan (modern Cambodia), one of the earliest Indianised states in Southeast Asia.


Sexual Dimorphism and Spider Silk Quality
24-01-2026
Source: TH
A study has revealed that only large adult female Darwin’s bark spiders produce the toughest silk ever recorded in nature, showing how evolution optimises energy use, body size, and ecological need.
- Darwin’s bark spider (Caerostris darwini), native to Madagascar, produces silk with a tensile strength of about 1.6 gigapascals, making it around three times stronger than iron.
- However, this ability is restricted to large adult females, not males or juveniles.
- Sexual Dimorphism and Silk Quality: The study found a clear link between sexual dimorphism and silk quality, as females are 3–5 times larger than males and face greater ecological demands.
- Researchers analysed dragline (major ampullate) silk, the main structural silk of orb webs, and showed that its exceptional strength comes from high levels of proline, an amino acid crucial for elasticity and toughness, making silk production metabolically expensive.
- To manage this energy cost, adult females produce ultra-tough silk only when necessary, building sparser webs with fewer but stronger threads, while males and juveniles spin denser webs made of cheaper, weaker silk.
- This super-tough silk supports gigantic webs built over rivers and lakes, allowing females to capture prey inaccessible to other spiders. The study concludes that silk quality is adaptively regulated, and extreme strength evolves only when it provides a clear survival advantage.
- Notably, silk elasticity remains constant across all individuals, indicating it is a genetically conserved trait.

Jamma Bane Lands of Kodagu
24-01-2026
Source: IE
Karnataka has enacted the Karnataka Land Revenue (2nd Amendment) Act, 2025 to modernize the century-old land record system for the unique Jamma Bane lands in Kodagu (Coorg).
- This act seeks to resolve inheritance disputes over Jamma Bane lands by aligning their records with the Karnataka Land Revenue Act, 1964, to ensure accurate documentation of current holders, occupants, and owners.
Jamma Bane Lands
- About: Jamma Bane is a unique, hereditary land tenure system prevalent in Kodagu district (Coorg). The lands were originally granted by the erstwhile kings of Coorg and the British (between 1600 and 1800) to local communities, primarily the Kodavas, in return for military service.
- Nature of the Land: These holdings comprise both wetlands (used for paddy cultivation) and forested highlands, which have largely been converted into the region's famous coffee estates.
- Traditional Record-Keeping: Ownership is registered in the name of the original grantee (pattedar), and despite being passed down over generations, new owners' names were only added alongside the pattedar's name, not as replacements.
- This system created serious legal and economic problems, including difficulties in sale, purchase, inheritance, mutation, and access to bank loans due to lack of clear title.
Kodagu (Coorg)
- About: Kodagu, popularly known as Coorg, is a scenic, high-altitude district in Karnataka's Western Ghats, globally famed as the 'Scotland of India' for its misty hills, and lush coffee plantations. It is the source of the River Kaveri (Talakaveri), a vital peninsular river.
- Economy: An agrarian economy centered on coffee production (a leading Indian region for Robusta/Arabica). Other major crops are pepper, cardamom, and rubber.
- Culture: Home to the Kodava people, known for their martial heritage, unique festivals (Kailpodh, Puthari), and distinctive attire and traditions.

India–Netherlands Joint Trade and Investment Committee (JTIC)
23-12-2025
Source: PIB
India and the Netherlands have established the India–Netherlands Joint Trade and Investment Committee (JTIC) to deepen bilateral trade, investment, and economic cooperation.
- It aims to identify and eliminate trade barriers while promoting two-way investments, particularly for MSMEs.
- It also seeks to enhance cooperation in key sectors, including the transfer of technical know-how and technological innovation.
India and the Netherlands Relations
- Trade and Economic Partnership: The Netherlands is India's 11th largest global trading partner and its largest in the European Union (EU), with bilateral trade at USD 27.34 billion in FY 2023–24 and a USD 17.39 billion surplus for India.
- It is India's largest export destination in Europe and 3rd globally (after the USA and UAE), led by petroleum products, pharmaceuticals, and telecom instruments.
- Core Priority Sectors: Water, Agriculture and Health (WAH) are the three priority sectors, alongside technology and innovation.
- Renewable Energy and Climate Action: Green Hydrogen collaboration, Maritime Cooperation and Green Digital Sea Corridor, International Solar Alliance, Global Commission on Adaptation (GCA) and Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI).
- Indo-Pacific Convergence: The Netherlands’ Indo-Pacific Guidelines (2020) identify India as a key partner.
- Netherlands Geographical Location: It is located in Western Europe, bordered by Belgium and Germany. It is the most densely populated country in the European Union.

US Operation Hawkeye Strike in Syria
23-12-2025
Source: TH
The US launched Operation Hawkeye Strike in Syria, targeting Islamic State (IS) infrastructure and weapons sites in direct response to the attack on US forces in Palmyra, signalling a strong counter-terror response.
- IS, also known as ISIS (Islamic State of Iraq and Syria), is a Sunni extremist terrorist organisation that self-declared itself a pan-Islamic Caliphate, emerging from al-Qaeda in Iraq, with its historic base of operations in northern Iraq and Syria.
- It has committed widespread crimes against humanity, including genocide, mass executions, sexual slavery, and terrorism.
- In India, the Islamic State (IS) and all its manifestations are banned under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967 (UAPA).
- Syria: It lies in West Asia, bordered by Turkey to the north, Iraq to the east, Jordan to the south, and Israel and Lebanon to the west, with a coastline along the Mediterranean Sea.
- Its geography includes the Syrian Desert, the Euphrates River valley, and the Anti-Lebanon Mountains along the Lebanon border, with Mount Hermon as its highest point.
- Key conflict-affected areas include Aleppo, Homs, Idlib, and the Golan Heights, which remains disputed with Israel.

Superkilonova
23-12-2025
Source: TH
The study by an international research team, including scientists from IIT Bombay and the Indian Institute of Astrophysics, Bengaluru, reports the possible discovery of a superkilonova, a rare and powerful cosmic explosion.
- Kilonova: When two neutron stars collide, they eject heavy radioactive elements such as gold, platinum and neodymium, whose decay produces optical and infrared emissions known as a kilonova.
- Superkilonova: A superkilonova has an additional energy source, as it begins with a supernova explosion that forms two neutron stars (instead of one).
- These neutron stars later spiral inward and merge, producing a kilonova. This results in a stronger and more complex event, with both supernova and kilonova signatures.
- Studies show that a superkilonova produces intense gravitational waves and a powerful electromagnetic blast, appearing brighter and longer-lasting than a normal kilonova.
- Superkilonovae are still a proposed/observationally emerging class of events, not yet as firmly established as kilonova.

Governor’s Constitutional Powers
23-12-2025
Source: TH
Why in News?
The Uttarakhand Governor has returned the amendment Bills on the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) and the Freedom of Religion and Prohibition of Unlawful Conversion Act, 2018 citing technical and legal flaws, renewing focus on the scope of the Governor’s powers.
Summary
- The Uttarakhand Governor returning amendment Bills on the UCC has brought renewed attention to the constitutional powers of Governors, especially their authority under Article 200 to return or withhold assent to State legislation.
- While the Governor functions as a constitutional head acting mainly on ministerial advice, his legislative and discretionary powers are meant as constitutional safeguards, but their use often sparks debates on federalism, democratic accountability, and Centre–State relations.
What are Constitutional Provisions Related to the Governor?
- Constitutional Position of the Governor: The Governor is the constitutional head of the State under Article 153, with the executive power of the State vested in him under Article 154. He acts as a link between the Union and the State.
- Appointment, Status, and Eligibility: The Governor of a State shall be appointed by the President by warrant under his hand and seal (Article 155).
- A person to be eligible for appointment as Governor should be citizen of India and has completed age of 35 years (Article 157).
- The Governor shall not be a member of the Legislature or Parliament; shall not hold any office of profit, shall be entitled to emoluments and allowances. (Article 158)
- Every Governor and every person discharging the function of the Governor shall make a subscribe an oath or Affirmation (Article 159).
- Legislative Powers: The Governor has key legislative functions under Articles 174 to 176, including summoning, proroguing, and dissolving the Legislative Assembly, addressing the House, and sending messages to it.
- Under Article 200, the Governor may assent to Bills, withhold assent, return Bills for reconsideration (except Money Bills), or reserve Bills for the President’s consideration.
- The Governor exercises absolute veto by withholding assent and suspensive veto by returning a non-Money Bill for reconsideration. However, the Governor does not have pocket veto.
- Executive Powers: Under Article 163, the Governor acts on the advice of the Council of Ministers, except in discretionary matters.
- He appoints the Chief Minister and other Ministers under Article 164, appoints the Advocate General of the State under Article 165, and all executive actions of the State are carried out in the name of the Governor as per Article 166.
- Financial Powers:
- Article 202: Causes the Annual Financial Statement (State Budget) to be laid before the Legislature.
- Article 203(3): No demand for grants without the Governor’s recommendation.
- Article 205: Causes supplementary, additional, or excess grants to be laid before the House.
- Ordinance-Making Power: Under, Article 213 Governor may promulgate Ordinances when the Legislature is not in session and immediate action is required.
- Judicial-Related Powers: The Governor exercises clemency powers under Article 161, including granting pardons and commutations.
- He is consulted in the appointment of High Court judges, and judges take their oath or affirmation before the Governor under Article 217.
Note: A five-judge Constitution Bench of the Supreme Court, in its advisory opinion on the 16th Presidential Reference under Article 143, held that courts cannot impose timelines on the President or Governors for granting assent to State Bills, as this would violate federalism and the separation of powers.


Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Who appoints the Governor and what is his constitutional position?
The Governor is appointed by the President under Article 155 and acts as the constitutional head of the State under Articles 153–154.
2. What options does a Governor have when a Bill is presented for assent?
Under Article 200, the Governor may grant assent, withhold assent, return the Bill (except Money Bills), or reserve it for the President.
3. Does the Governor enjoy pocket veto over State Bills?
No, the Governor has absolute and suspensive veto powers but does not enjoy pocket veto.
4. What is the Governor’s role in financial matters of the State?
The Governor lays the State Budget before the Legislature and ensures that no demand for grants is made without his recommendation.
UPSC Civil Services Examination Previous Year’s Question (PYQs)
Prelims
Q. With reference to the Indian polity, consider the following statements: (2025)
- The Governor of a State is not answerable to any court for the exercise and performance of the powers and duties of his/her office.
- No criminal proceedings shall be instituted or continued against the Governor during his/her term of office.
- Members of a State Legislature are not liable to any proceedings in any court in respect of anything said within the House.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
a) 1 and 2 only
b) 2 and 3 only
c) 1 and 3 only
d) 1, 2 and 3
Ans: (d)
Q. Consider the following statements: ( 2025)
- The Constitution of India explicitly mentions that in certain spheres, the Governor of a State acts in his/her own discretion.
- The President of India can, of his/her own, reserve a bill passed by a State Legislature for his/her consideration without it being forwarded by the Governor of the State concerned.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
a) 1 only
b) 2 only
c) Both 1 and 2
d) Neither 1 nor 2
Ans: (a)
Blackbuck Revival in Chhattisgarh
23-10-2025
Source: IE
Why in News?
After being declared locally extinct in 2017, the blackbuck has made a remarkable comeback in Barnawapara Wildlife Sanctuary, Chhattisgarh. Through a five-year revival plan (2021–2026), the state forest department has successfully reintroduced and bred over 190 blackbucks.
What is the Blackbuck Revival Program?
- About Programme: The Chhattisgarh State Wildlife Board approved a five-year plan (2021–2026) aimed at re-establishing a self-sustaining blackbuck population in the region.
- A total of 77 blackbucks have been translocated under the project. Fifty were brought from the National Zoological Park in New Delhi, and twenty-seven were sourced from the Kanan Pendari Zoological Garden in Bilaspur.
- The blackbuck (Antilope cervicapra), once native to several regions of Chhattisgarh, disappeared due to extensive habitat degradation, poaching, and land-use changes.
- Objective: The primary objective is to rebuild a stable and breeding blackbuck population and strengthen grassland management practices within the sanctuary.
- Habitat and Veterinary Management: Sand-layering, improved drainage, and medical surveillance reduced mortality (e.g., post-2018 pneumonia outbreak).
- Dedicated team established for habitat improvement, including weed removal and native grass cultivation.
What are the Key Facts Related to Blackbuck?
- About: The blackbuck (Antilope cervicapra), also known as the Indian Antelope, is a graceful and diurnal species native to India and Nepal.
- Habitat: It primarily inhabits open grasslands and scrublands across states such as Rajasthan, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, and Odisha.
- The species is a flagship indicator of grassland ecosystem health and symbolizes the importance of conserving these often-overlooked habitats.
- Major blackbuck habitats in India include the Velavadar Blackbuck Sanctuary (Gujarat), Point Calimere Wildlife Sanctuary (Tamil Nadu), and Tal Chhapar Sanctuary (Rajasthan).
- Protection and Conservation Status:
- The IUCN Red List : Least Concern.
- Under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972: Schedule I, providing the highest level of legal protection in India.
- The species is also included in Appendix III of CITES, which regulates international trade.
- Symbolic Significance;
- The blackbuck has been declared the State Animal of Punjab, Haryana, and Andhra Pradesh, reflecting its ecological and cultural importance.
Barnawapara Wildlife Sanctuary
- The sanctuary is located in the northeastern part of Raipur district, Chhattisgarh, and is named after the Bar and Nawapara forest villages at its centre.
- It features undulating terrain with numerous low and high hillocks, forming an ideal natural landscape for diverse wildlife.
- Several tributaries of the Mahanadi River flow through the sanctuary. The Balamdehi River forms its western boundary, while the Jonk River marks its northeastern edge.
- The sanctuary has well-stocked teak, sal, and mixed forests, providing a rich habitat for various species.
- Commonly sighted animals include Indian bison (Gaur), Cheetal, Sambhar, Neelgai, and Wild boar.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why did the Chhattisgarh government launch the Blackbuck Revival Program?
The initiative aims to reintroduce blackbucks in Barnawapara Wildlife Sanctuary, restoring a species locally extinct for five decades and improving grassland ecosystem health.
2. How is the Blackbuck Revival Program being implemented?
Under a five-year plan (2021–2026), 77 blackbucks were translocated using a soft-release method to ensure adaptation and long-term population sustainability.
3. What is the conservation status of the blackbuck in India?
The blackbuck (Antilope cervicapra) is listed as Least Concern (IUCN), but protected under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, ensuring maximum legal protection.
UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Questions (PYQs)
Q1. Which one of the following protected areas is well-known for the conservation of a sub-species of the Indian swamp deer (Barasingha) that thrives well on hard ground and is exclusively graminivorous? (2020)
(a) Kanha National Park
(b) Manas National Park
(c) Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary
(d) Tal Chhapar Wildlife Sanctuary
Ans: (a)
Himalayan Musk Deer
23-09-2025
Source: DTE
The Central Zoo Authority (CZA) reports no captive Himalayan musk deer (Moschus chrysogaster) in recognized zoos, indicating no breeding programme has begun despite the 1982 Himalayan Musk Project.
Himalayan Musk Deer
- About: It is a deer species found in alpine regions above 2,500m in the Himalayan region of India, as well as in Nepal, Bhutan, and China.
- Physical Description: Sandy brown, hare-like deer. They lack antlers and have a gall bladder, distinguishing them from other deer.

- Captive breeding in India: A musk deer breeding centre was established in Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary in 1982 with five deer, increasing to 28 by 2006, when it closed and the last deer was sent to Darjeeling Zoo. India currently lacks founder stock, the initial pairs needed to start a breeding programme.
- Behavior & Communication: Solitary, sedentary, and crepuscular (active at dawn and dusk). They use a caudal gland to mark territory and display a distinctive bounding gait, capable of jumping up to 6m to evade predators.
- Conservation Status: Endangered on the IUCN Red List. Poaching for the musk sac (used in perfumes and medicine) drives population decline. Listed in CITES Appendix I.
CAG Report on the Fiscal Health of States
23-09-2025
Source:IE
Why in News?
The Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) released its first decadal analysis on the fiscal health of 28 Indian states, showing that their public debt (internal borrowings plus loans from the Centre) has tripled in 10 years, reaching Rs 59.6 lakh crore in FY 2022-23, raising concerns about fiscal sustainability.
What are the Key Findings of the CAG Report on States’ Fiscal Health?
- Debt Growth in a Decade: States’ total public debt increased 3.39 times from Rs 17.57 lakh crore in 2013-14 to Rs 59.60 lakh crore in 2022-23.
- Debt as a share of Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) (value of all finished goods and services produced within a state’s geographical boundaries) rose from 16.66% to 22.96%, showing a heavier fiscal burden.
- States’ debt stood at 22.17% of India’s country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in 2022-23.
- State-wise Variations: Punjab (40.35%), Nagaland (37.15%), and West Bengal (33.70%) had the highest debt ratios, while Odisha (8.45%), Maharashtra (14.64%), and Gujarat (16.37%) had the lowest.
- Debt vs revenue capacity: On average, states’ debt has been about 150% of their revenue receipts, peaking at 191% in 2020-21 during Covid-19.
- Sources of borrowing: Loans raised from open market through securities, treasury bills, bonds, banks, Reserve Bank of India (RBI’s) Ways and Means Advances, and institutions like Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) and National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD).
- Centre’s Role: Loans from the Union government increased due to GST compensation shortfall and special assistance for capital expenditure.
- Golden rule violations: The Golden Rule of Fiscal Policy states governments should borrow only for capital investment, not for current spending.
- However, at least 11 states used borrowings to cover day-to-day expenditure rather than capital investment, in Andhra Pradesh and Punjab, less than 25% of borrowings went into capital projects.
What are the Reasons for High State Debt in India?
- Reduced Fiscal Autonomy Post-GST: The introduction of Goods and Services Tax (GST) in 2017 centralized tax collection, leaving states with fewer avenues to generate revenue independently.
- Moreover, the decline in their share of tax revenue due to new central cesses and surcharges further curtails their fiscal space.
- Fiscal Imbalance: States collect less than a third of the total revenues but are responsible for nearly two-thirds of the public expenditure.
- This significant revenue-expenditure mismatch forces states to borrow to meet their spending needs.
- High Reliance on Market Borrowings: Over time, states have increasingly turned to market borrowings, which account for a larger portion of state debt.
- Market borrowings come at a higher cost compared to other debt instruments, leading to an increased financial burden on states.
- Contingent Liabilities: State governments often undertake projects that involve financial guarantees (e.g., infrastructure projects), creating potential future financial obligations, known as contingent liabilities. These liabilities pose risks to fiscal health.
- Higher Interest Rates: States face relatively higher borrowing costs compared to the central government, which increases the total debt servicing burden.
- Historical Debt Accumulation: States with a history of high debt levels are forced to borrow more to service existing debt, creating a debt trap that’s difficult to escape.
What are the Implications of Rising State Public Debt in India?
- Threat to Fiscal Federalism: Rising debt limits fiscal autonomy of States and increases central control over state finances, undermining the federal structure.
- Fiscal Sustainability Risks: High debt servicing costs limit funds for developmental spending, potentially leading to a debt trap where states borrow more to repay existing debt.
- Impact on Economic Growth: States may have reduced capacity for investment in critical sectors like infrastructure, slowing long-term growth.
- Inflation and Interest Rate Risks: Higher borrowing costs and inflationary pressure can destabilize the economy and increase fiscal stress.
- Regional Disparities: States with higher debt-to-GDP ratios may face increased fiscal distress, creating greater regional inequalities in fiscal health.
- Impact on Social Welfare: States may cut back on welfare programs and public services, negatively affecting vulnerable populations.
How can States Reduce Debt Burden while Maintaining Fiscal Health?
- Enhancing Revenue Generation: Enhance tax collection efficiency by expanding the tax base, and broadening tax scopes through economic formalization.
- States can explore innovative revenue sources like mining royalties, tourism, and public asset monetization.
- Rationalizing Expenditures: States should prioritize capital expenditure for long-term investments, control discretionary spending, and rationalize inefficient welfare programs.
- Debt Restructuring: States should refinance high-interest debt, seek lower-cost debt sources (e.g., National Small Savings Fund (NSSF), Green Bonds or Infrastructure Bonds), and set debt ceilings to keep debt-to-GDP ratios within limits, as per the Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management (FRBM) Act, 2003.
- Promoting Investment: Focus on Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) and foreign direct investment (FDI) in key sectors such as infrastructure, technology, and renewable energy.
- This can reduce the burden on state finances while leveraging private sector expertise.
- Create Contingency Funds: Set up rainy day funds or contingency funds to cover unforeseen fiscal needs, helping to avoid excessive borrowing during times of economic shocks or natural disasters.
- Enhancing Central-State Fiscal Cooperation : Increase states' share of central revenues as per the Finance Commission, and ensure timely GST compensation to reduce short-term borrowing needs.
- Improving Public Financial Management: Implement performance-based budgeting with the aid of Fiscal Health Index (FHI) and link expenditure to outcomes, and use technology to streamline procurement and reduce inefficiencies.
- Social Safety Nets: Strengthen social safety nets that protect the most vulnerable without placing excessive strain on state budgets.
|
Drishti Mains Question:
Q. In the context of rising state debt in India, discuss the importance of strengthening public financial management.
|
UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Questions (PYQs)
Prelims:
Q. Consider the following statements: (2018)
- The Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management (FRBM) Review Committee Report has recommended a debt to GDP ratio of 60% for the general (combined) government by 2023, comprising 40% for the Central Government and 20% for the State Governments.
- The Central Government has domestic liabilities of 21% of GDP as compared to that of 49% of GDP of the State Governments.
- As per the Constitution of India, it is mandatory for a State to take the Central Government’s consent for raising any loan if the former owes any outstanding liabilities to the latter.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Ans: C
Mains:
Q. Public expenditure management is a challenge to the Government of India in the context of budget-making during the post-liberalization period. Clarify it. (2019)
Kerala ‘First’ Digitally Literate State in India
23-08-2025
Source: IE
Kerala has been declared the first fully digitally literate state in India, marking a milestone in bridging the digital divide through the Digi Keralam Project.
- Digi Keralam Project targeted senior citizens, homemakers, and digitally excluded groups, using youth volunteers and the K-SMART (Kerala Solutions for Managing Administrative Reformation and Transformation) platform to provide online access services, boosting inclusion and governance.
- Earlier in 2002, the Akshaya project was launched by then President A.P.J. Abdul Kalam in Kerala, to make one family member digitally literate, promoting IT access and citizen service delivery across the state.
Digital Literacy in India
- Digital Literacy: It is the ability of individuals and communities to understand and use digital technologies for meaningful actions within life situations.
- According to the Central Board for Workers Education Only 38% of India households are digitally literate (61% in urban areas and 25% in rural areas).
- Initiatives Promoting Digital Literacy:
- The Government of India implemented two digital literacy schemes, National Digital Literacy Mission (NDLM) and Digital Saksharta Abhiyan (DISHA), with a cumulative target of 52.50 lakh beneficiaries across the country (one person from every eligible household).
- Under these two schemes, 53.67 lakh beneficiaries were trained, with 42% from rural India. Both schemes have now been closed.
- Pradhan Mantri Gramin Digital Saksharta Abhiyan (PMGDISHA): Aims to promote digital literacy in rural India,6.39 crore individuals trained nationwide till March 2024.

Ecuador & Peru
23-08-2025
Source: DTE
Indigenous communities in Ecuador and Peru opposed a new oil deal, citing risks of deforestation, river pollution, biodiversity loss, and ecological damage in the Amazon rainforests.
Amazon Rainforests
- About: The Amazon Rainforest is the largest tropical rainforest in the world, covering around 6.7 million sq km in the Amazon River basin of northern South America.
- About 60% of the rainforest is in Brazil, while the remaining area is shared among Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, Guyana, Peru, Suriname, Venezuela, and French Guiana, making it the largest drainage system globally.
- It is bounded by the Guiana Highlands (north), Andes Mountains (west), Brazilian Central Plateau (south), and the Atlantic Ocean (east).
- Ecological Significance: Covers over half of the world’s rainforest volume, crucial for biodiversity, carbon sequestration, and climate regulation.
- Though only 1% of Earth’s surface, it sustains around 10% of global wildlife, including habitats for river dolphins and over 70% of the world’s jaguars.

Ecuador
- Ecuador (with capital Quito) lies in western South America between Colombia and Peru. The Equator line passed through it.
- The Andes run through Ecuador, with Cotopaxi as the highest active volcano.
Peru
- Situated on the western coast of South America, Peru (capital- Lima) connects the Pacific Ocean, Andes Mountains and the Amazon Basin.
- It shares borders with Ecuador and Colombia (north), Brazil (east), and Bolivia and Chile (south).
- Key drainage includes the Amazon River and Lake Titicaca (world’s highest navigable lake, shared with Bolivia).
- About 60% of Peru is covered by the Amazon forest.
- Other features include Atacama Desert (southern Peru), Nazca Lines, and the Humboldt Current and El Niño.

Bitra Island
23-07-2025
Source: HT
The government has initiated the acquisition of Bitra Island in Lakshadweep for defence purposes.
Bitra Island:
- About: It is the smallest inhabited island in the Union Territory of Lakshadweep.
- Geography and Location: Situated at 11°36′N, 72°11′E, Bitra lies about 483 km (261 nautical miles) from Kochi, the gateway to Lakshadweep.
- It is part of the Aminidivi subgroup and spans 0.57 km in length and 0.28 km at its widest.
- Climate : The climate of Bitra closely resembles that of Kerala.
- Hot period: March to May, temperatures range from 25°C to 35°C.
- Annual Rainfall: 1600 mm.
- Lagoon and Marine Ecosystem:It is surrounded by a vast lagoon area of 45.61 sq km, supporting rich marine biodiversity.
- Population and Lifestyle: As per the 2011 census , it has a population of 271, mostly dependent on fishing and coconut cultivation.
- Strategic Significance: Bitra is strategically located near major shipping lanes and is set to host a defense establishment, complementing naval bases at Kavaratti (INS Dweeprakshak) and Minicoy (INS Jatayu).

Death of Cheetah at Kuno National Park
23-07-2025
Source: TH
An 8-year-old Namibian female cheetah, Nabha, died at Kuno National Park (KNP) in Madhya Pradesh due to injuries sustained during a likely hunting attempt.
- Project Cheetah:
- About: Cheetah Reintroduction Project (Project Cheetah) was launched in 2022, with the aim to reintroduce cheetahs to India (declared extinct in 1952) as part of global cheetah conservation efforts.
- Implementing Agencies: National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA), Madhya Pradesh Forest Department, and Wildlife Institute of India (WII).
- Implementation: Phase 1 involved translocating cheetahs from Namibia (2022) and South Africa (2023) to Kuno National Park, Madhya Pradesh.
- Under Phase-2 of the Project India is considering sourcing cheetahs from Kenya due to similar habitats.
- Cheetahs will be translocated to Kuno National Park and Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary (Madhya Pradesh).

Turning Lead into Gold
23-06-2025
Scientists at CERN briefly transformed lead (Pb) into gold (Au) (just a nanosecond) in tiny amounts using high-energy particle collisions inside the world’s most powerful particle accelerator, Large Hadron Collider (LHC).
- This was achieved not by direct collisions but through ultra-peripheral “near-miss” interactions between accelerated lead nuclei (atomic number 82), demonstrating nuclear transmutation.
- Nuclear transmutation is the process of changing one element into another by altering the number of protons or neutrons in an atom’s nucleus.

Ultra-Peripheral Collisions
- At CERN’s LHC, ultra-peripheral collisions occur when lead nuclei pass very close without direct contact.
- Their electromagnetic fields interact, emitting high-energy photons that trigger electromagnetic dissociation- a process where protons and neutrons are ejected from the nucleus.
- In such events, removal of 3 protons from lead (atomic number 82) results in the formation of gold (atomic number 79) and depending on the number of protons lost, elements like thallium and mercury were also created.
- The experiment offers a striking example of how extreme physics can alter the identity of matter, showcasing modern artificial nuclear transmutation and deepening our understanding of atomic interactions under extreme conditions.

Unique Stellar Chemistry of Star A980
23-06-2025
Why in News?
Scientists at the Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA), Bengaluru identified a rare helium-rich star (A980) exhibiting a rare chemical composition, challenging existing models of stellar evolution and nucleosynthesis.
What are the Key Facts Related to Star A980?
- A980 lies in the Ophiuchus constellation, about 25,800 light years from Earth.
- It shows the first-ever detection of singly-ionized germanium (Ge II) in an EHe star, with germanium levels eight times higher than in the Sun.
- About Star A980: A980 is a cool Extreme Helium (EHe) star, a rare class of evolved stars made almost entirely of helium with little to no hydrogen, typically formed through the merger of a helium-rich and a carbon-oxygen rich white dwarf.
- Stellar Models and Star A980: Stellar models explain how stars form, evolve, and create elements. They suggest heavy elements like germanium form in supernovae or AGB stars, not in Extreme Helium (EHe) stars.
- However, Star A980, an EHe star, shows unusually high germanium levels, challenging these models.
- It suggests that element formation may happen during white dwarf mergers, a process not well covered in current theories, indicating the need to revise stellar evolution models.
Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA)
- IIA is a premier research institution under the Department of Science & Technology (DST), dedicated to astronomy, astrophysics, and related physical and engineering sciences.
- It traces its origins to the Madras Observatory established in 1786, which was later relocated to Kodaikanal in 1899. It was renamed as IIA in 1971 and shifted its headquarters to Bengaluru in 1975.
UPSC Civil Services Examination Previous Year Question (PYQ)
Recently, scientists observed the merger of giant ‘blackholes’ billions of light-years away from the Earth. What is the significance of this observation? (2019)
(a) ‘Higgs boson particles’ were detected. (b) ‘Gravitational waves’ were detected. (c) Possibility of inter-galactic space travel through ‘wormhole’ was confirmed. (d) It enabled the scientists to understand ‘singularity’.
Ans: (b)
|
Spinal Muscular Atrophy
23-06-2025
In a first-of-its-kind medical intervention in India, a newborn with the SMN1 gene mutation for Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) is receiving presymptomatic treatment using Risdiplam, a rare disease-modifying drug given to prevent motor neuron degeneration.
Spinal Muscular Atrophy
- About: It is a genetic disorder caused by an SMN1 gene mutation and protein deficiency, leading to the progressive weakening of muscles due to damage to motor neurons.
- Genetic disorders are caused by abnormalities in genes or chromosomes, either inherited or due to DNA mutations.
- Occurrence: It affects one in every 10,000 births and is a major genetic cause of infant and child mortality.
- Gene Transfer: SMA occurs when both parents pass on SMN1 gene mutations, though they are typically carriers without showing symptoms.
- Impact: It mainly affects muscles that fail to receive signals from nerve cells.
- Symptoms: It causes weakness in voluntary muscles like the shoulders, hips, and thighs, along with breathing and swallowing difficulties, while involuntary muscles (heart, blood vessels, digestive tract) remain unaffected.

Supreme Court Verdict on DTAA
23-01-2026
Source: IE
Why in News?
The Supreme Court (SC) has ruled that Tiger Global’s USD 1.6-billion stake sale in Flipkart to Walmart (2018) is taxable in India, denying the benefits of the India–Mauritius Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement (DTAA) and enforcing the General Anti-Avoidance Rule (GAAR).
What are the Key Facts of the Tiger Global Case?
- Key Legal Dispute: Tiger Global, a prominent venture capital investor, sold its Flipkart stake for USD 1.6 billion to Walmart in 2018, leading to a legal tussle with Indian tax authorities over capital gains tax liability.
- India's SC overturned the August 2024 Delhi High Court (HC) judgment, which had quashed an Authority for Advance Rulings (AAR) order denying DTAA benefits.
- AAR is a quasi-judicial body that provides binding rulings on specific tax questions, offering taxpayers clarity before transactions to reduce uncertainty and potential litigation.
- Supreme Court’s Legal Reasoning: The SC held that DTAA benefits cannot be claimed mechanically and rejected reliance on Tax Residency Certificates (TRCs) alone, as the India-Mauritius DTAA applies only where assets are directly owned by a Mauritian entity. It emphasized economic substance, control, and management, concluding the entities’ “head and brain” lay outside Mauritius, particularly in the USA.
- A TRC is issued by a country’s tax authority to confirm an entity’s tax residency for a specific period. It is essential for claiming DTAA benefits, such as avoiding double taxation.
- Role of AAR and High Court: The AAR’s 2020 order denied DTAA grandfathering benefits, ruling the investment structure was prima facie for tax avoidance, a finding later struck down by the Delhi HC as arbitrary. The SC reversed the Delhi HC, restoring the AAR’s substance-over-form approach.
- Grandfathering in tax is a legal provision that protects existing investments from new tax laws by allowing them to be taxed under older, more favorable rules. Under the India–Mauritius DTAA, it protected capital gains from investments made before 1st April, 2017, which were taxed only in Mauritius—that is, 0% tax in India—even after the treaty was amended.
- Implications: The ruling signals a major shift, ending automatic DTAA claims based solely on residency certificates. Investors must demonstrate genuine economic substance, autonomous decision-making, and commercial rationale for DTAA benefits.
- Investors face elevated tax litigation risk, with tools like tax insurance expected to become scarcer and costlier.
- The decision arrives amid a broader slowdown in Indian startup funding, which fell to USD 10.5 billion in 2025, a 17% decline from 2024, with notable drops in seed-stage (down 30%) and late-stage funding (down 26%).
Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement (DTAA)
- About: A DTAA is a bilateral (or occasionally multilateral) agreement entered into between two sovereign countries to prevent or mitigate double taxation on income or capital gains arising from cross-border activities, where an individual or entity could be taxed both in their country of residence and the country where the income is sourced.
- Key Relief Mechanisms: DTAAs provide relief primarily through two methods: the Exemption Method (income taxed in only one country) and the Credit Method (resident country grants a credit for taxes paid in the source country).
- Indian Context & Procedure: India has an extensive network of over 90 DTAAs. To claim benefits, a taxpayer must furnish a TRC from their country of residence, along with other required declarations.
- DTAA Misuse and Redressal: India has faced DTAA misuse through treaty shopping, round-tripping, and shell companies in jurisdictions like Mauritius, Singapore, and Cyprus.
- To counter this, the government amended key DTAA treaties, introducing source-based taxation and Limitation of Benefits (LOB) clauses to require substantive economic presence.
- Domestically, the GAAR was implemented in 2017 to deny treaty benefits for arrangements primarily aimed at tax avoidance.

General Anti-Avoidance Rule (GAAR)
- About: GAAR is an anti-tax evasion measure that empowers Indian authorities to deny tax benefits for arrangements whose primary purpose is tax avoidance, prioritizing the economic substance of transactions over their legal form.
- Objective: India's GAAR came into effect on 1st April 2017, with the objective of curbing aggressive tax planning and treaty shopping.
- Triggering Conditions: GAAR applies where the main purpose is to obtain a tax benefit and meets any one test:
- Commercial Substance Test: Absence of real operations, personnel, or decision-making authority
- Rights and Obligations Test: Artificial creation of rights or obligations to secure tax benefits
- Misuse or Abuse of Law: Exploitation of loopholes in treaties or domestic law
- Non-arm’s-length test: Deviation from normal commercial practices.
- Consequences of Invocation: If applied, authorities can deny treaty benefits (like capital gains exemptions), disregard intermediary entities, recharacterize transactions, reallocate income to India, and levy tax, interest, and penalties.
- Supremacy over Treaties: A critical feature is that under Indian law, GAAR overrides tax treaties, meaning treaty benefits can be denied if GAAR is triggered—a position now firmly upheld by the Supreme Court.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What did the Supreme Court decide in the Tiger Global–Flipkart case?
The SC held that Tiger Global’s USD 1.6-billion Flipkart stake sale (2018) is taxable in India, denying India–Mauritius DTAA benefits.
2. What is ‘grandfathering’ under the India–Mauritius DTAA?
It protected capital gains from investments made before April 1, 2017, taxing them only in Mauritius (0% in India), subject to anti-abuse scrutiny.
3. How does GAAR affect tax treaties in India?
GAAR overrides tax treaties, allowing authorities to deny DTAA benefits if an arrangement’s primary purpose is tax avoidance.
UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Questions (PYQs)
Q. Which one of the following effects of creation of black money in India has been the main cause of worry to the Government of India? (2021)
(a) Diversion of resources to the purchase of real estate and investment in luxury housing.
(b) Investment in unproductive activities and purchase of precious stones, jewellery, gold, etc.
(c) Large donations to political parties and growth of regionalism.
(d) Loss of revenue to the State Exchequer due to tax evasion.
Ans: (d)
Q. With reference to India’s decision to levy an equalization tax of 6% on online advertisement services offered by non-resident entities, which of the following statements is/are correct? (2018)
- It is introduced as a part of the Income Tax Act.
- Non-resident entities that offer advertisement services in India can claim a tax credit in their home country under the “Double Taxation Avoidance Agreements”.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Ans: (d)
Indira Gandhi Peace Prize
23-01-2026
Source: TH
Recently, the Indira Gandhi Prize for Peace, Disarmament and Development for 2025 has been awarded to Mozambican rights activist, Graca Machel, for her outstanding contributions to peace, humanitarian action and social development.
- About: It is also known as the Indira Gandhi Peace Prize and has been awarded annually since 1986 by the Indira Gandhi Memorial Trust in memory of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.
- It honours individuals or organisations for outstanding contributions to international peace, disarmament and development.
- Key Features: The prize carries a cash prize of Rs 1 crore, a citation and a trophy, and is regarded as one of India’s prestigious international peace awards.
- Categories: It is awarded across the three core domains of peace, disarmament and development.
- Selection Criteria: The award recognises sustained and exceptional efforts addressing global challenges related to peace, disarmament and development, with a positive humanitarian impact and contributions to the welfare of humanity.
India–Spain: Counter-Terrorism Cooperation
23-01-2026
Source:TH
President Droupadi Murmu emphasized the need for India and Spain to unite their resources and capabilities to combat global terrorism during a meeting with the Spanish Foreign Minister.
- The year 2026 marks 70 years of diplomatic relations between India and Spain, to be celebrated as the India-Spain Dual Year of Culture, Tourism, and Artificial Intelligence.
- Counter-Terrorism Cooperation: Both nations share a firm stance against terrorism, viewing it as a critical threat to global peace.
- The President called for pooling resources to fight terrorism in "all its forms and manifestations."
- As strong proponents of multilateralism, India and Spain should collaborate on platforms like the United Nations and G-20 to promote global stability and prosperity.
- India–Spain Economic Relations: Spain is India’s 6th largest trade partner in the European Union(EU). Bilateral trade reached USD 9.32 billion in 2024, while Spain is the 16th largest investor in India with cumulative FDI of USD 4.29 billion.
- Institutional mechanisms like the India–Spain Joint Commission on Economic Cooperation (JCEC), fast-track investment mechanism underpin this expanding economic engagement.
- The signing of the India-EU FTA is expected to significantly boost bilateral trade. The EU is currently India's largest trading partner, with goods trade reaching USD 135 billion in FY 2023-24.
- Spain: It shares land borders with Portugal (west), France and Andorra (northeast), and Gibraltar (south).
- Its maritime boundaries are defined by the Bay of Biscay (north), the Atlantic Ocean (northwest/southwest), and the Mediterranean Sea (southeast/east).
- The country features diverse topography, including the Pyrenees Mountains, the Meseta Central plateau, and the Tabernas Desert, while also encompassing the strategic Balearic and Canary Islands.

Shadow Fleet
23-01-2026
Source: IE
The United States has intensified its military-led crackdown on the global 'shadow fleet' of oil tankers for transporting sanctioned crude from countries like Iran, Venezuela, and Russia.
- Shadow Fleet
- About: It refers to a vast network of over 3,000 vessels using deceptive shipping practices like disabling AIS (Automatic Identification System) transponders, GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) spoofing, and opaque ownership structures to evade Western sanctions and transport oil from sanctioned nations.
- Dark vs. Grey Fleets: Dark fleets are the highest-risk vessels; deliberately hide activity through AIS-off behaviour, GNSS spoofing, false flags, and covert ship-to-ship transfers.
- Grey fleet is not necessarily sanctioned but shows risk indicators like irregular routes, rapid ownership changes, and structural ambiguity designed to appear compliant. Emerged after the Russia-Ukraine war.
- Regulatory Weaknesses: Many shadow vessels are registered in jurisdictions with lax maritime oversight, including Gabon, Marshall Islands, Cook Islands, Liberia, Panama, and Mongolia (landlocked).
- Strategic and Environmental Risks: The fleet, often comprising old, poorly insured vessels, not only undermines sanctions but also poses significant environmental and safety risks due to substandard operations.
- Indian Link: In 2022–2023, Mumbai-based Gatik Ship Management (shadow fleet operator) emerged as a major transporter of Russian crude, managing a fleet worth USD 1.5 billion at its peak before transferring all tankers to related companies by August 2023 amid scrutiny.
SC to Examine Whether ED is a ‘Juristic Person’
23-01-2026
Source: TH
The Supreme Court (SC) of India has agreed to examine petitions filed by Tamil Nadu and Kerala seeking clarity on whether the Directorate of Enforcement (ED) is a ‘juristic person’ entitled to approach High Courts under Article 226 of the Constitution.
- A ‘juristic person’ is a non-human legal entity (such as a corporation) recognised by law as having rights and duties, including the capacity to sue or be sued.
- Kerala’s Contentions: The State argued that the ED filed a writ petition in the High Court challenging a State-appointed Commission of Inquiry (related to the gold smuggling case) without having the locus standi (legal standing) to do so.
- Tamil Nadu’s Stand: Supporting Kerala, Tamil Nadu accused the ED of abusing the process of law by seeking a mandamus from the Madras High Court regarding illegal mining cases, arguing such writs are "misconceived and unmaintainable."
- Statutory Body vs. Body Corporate: Both States contend that statutory bodies can exercise only powers expressly granted by statute, and ED is not vested with the power to sue under either FEMA , 1999 or the PMLA, 2002.
- Unlike a body corporate, the ED lacks the specific statutory power to claim legal status as a juristic person.
- Judicial Precedent: Both States relied on the Supreme Court judgment in Chief Conservator of Forests, Govt of AP vs. Collector (2003), which established that the ability of a legal entity to sue or be sued is a matter of substantive law, not just procedure.
Role of Article 226 of the Indian Constitution
- Article 226 empowers High Courts to issue writs( Habeas Corpus, Mandamus, Prohibition, Certiorari, and Quo Warranto) for the enforcement of Fundamental Rights.
- Unlike Article 32, Article 226 has a wider scope, as High Courts can issue writs not only for Fundamental Rights but also for “any other purpose”, including legal and statutory rights.
- It acts as a constitutional check on executive and administrative action, ensuring legality, fairness, and accountability of government authorities.
- Both individuals and legal entities can approach High Courts under Article 226, provided they have locus standi and a legally enforceable right.
- It plays a crucial role in Centre–State relations, allowing States or authorities to challenge actions of central agencies and vice versa.
India's LFPR Hits Record 56.1% in 2025
23-01-2026
Source: IE
The Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) – December 2025 shows a consistent recovery with workforce participation reaching yearly highs while unemployment rates remain broadly stable.
- The monthly data is based on the Current Weekly Status (CWS) approach, assessing a person’s activity status (employed, unemployed, or out of the labour force) over the 7 days preceding the survey.
Key Highlights
- Labour Force Participation Rate (LFPR): LFPR for persons aged 15+ continued its upward trend since June 2025, reaching 56.1% in December 2025.
- LFPR is the percentage of the working-age population (15–59 years) that is either employed or actively seeking employment.
- Worker Population Ratio (WPR): WPR reached its yearly peak at 53.4%. Rural male WPR showed strong performance at 76.0%, and women at 38.6% indicating robust rural employment.
- WPR is the percentage of the working-age population that is actually employed.
- Unemployment Scenario: Overall Unemployment Rate (UR) remained stable at 4.8%. Rural UR was steady at 3.9% while urban UR increased slightly to 6.7%.
- Urban female UR showed a significant decline to 9.1% from its yearly peak of 9.7% in October 2025.
- Rural-Urban Divide: A clear disparity persists with rural LFPR (59.0%) substantially higher than urban LFPR (50.2%), and urban unemployment consistently exceeding rural levels.

Jallikattu
22-12-2025
Source: TH
The Tamil Nadu government has issued a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for Jallikattu 2026 to ensure public safety, animal welfare, and strict legal compliance.
- About: Jallikattu, also known as eruthazhuvuthal, is a traditional bull-taming sport of Tamil Nadu, performed as part of the Pongal harvest festival, especially on Mattu Pongal.
- Etymology: Derived from “Jalli” (coins) and “Kattu” (tied), referring to coins tied to a bull’s horn as the prize.
- Cultural significance: It is a 2,000-year-old tradition linked to the Ayar community, celebrating nature, cattle worship, and rural agrarian life; historically, it was also used to select suitable bridegrooms.
- It was depicted in a 1500-year-old cave painting near Madurai and an Indus Valley seal preserved at the National Museum, New Delhi.
- Regions: Predominantly practiced in Madurai, Tiruchirappalli, Theni, Pudukkottai, and Dindigul districts of Tamil Nadu, known as the Jallikattu belt.
- Nature of the sport: A competitive and physically demanding event where participants attempt to tame a bull; failure results in the bull owner winning the prize.
- Uses indigenous breeds such as Pulikulam and Kangayam, valued for breeding and market strength.
- Controversy: Long contested due to concerns over animal cruelty and human safety, drawing scrutiny from courts and animal rights groups.
- Legal Status: In 2023, a five-judge Bench of the Supreme Court upheld amendments made by Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, and Karnataka to the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960, permitting traditional bull-taming sports such as jallikattu and kambala.

Risk-Based Deposit Insurance Framework for Banks
22-12-2025
Source: TH
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has approved a risk-based deposit insurance premium framework, shifting from the long-standing flat-rate system to a soundness-linked model, which will be effective from the next financial year (FY 2026-27).
- Policy Shift: Replaces the decades-old flat-rate premium system with a Risk-Based Premium (RBP) model, linking premiums to a bank’s financial soundness and risk profile.
- Existing Arrangement: Since 1962, the Deposit Insurance and Credit Guarantee Corporation has operated a flat-rate premium-based deposit insurance scheme, with banks currently charged 12 paise per Rs 100 of assessable deposits.
- Rationale: The existing flat-rate premium system charges all banks the same insurance rate, irrespective of their financial soundness, leading to safer banks subsidising riskier ones.
- A risk-based premium model aligns insurance costs with a bank’s risk profile, creating incentives for better governance, capital adequacy, and prudent risk management.
- Expected Impact: It strengthens financial stability by discouraging excessive risk-taking and improving market discipline without reducing depositor protection.
Bureau of Port Security
22-12-2025
Source: PIB
The Government of India has decided to set up a dedicated statutory body, the Bureau of Port Security (BoPS), to ensure comprehensive and risk-based security of ports and vessels across India.
- Bureau of Port Security (BoPS): It will be constituted as a statutory body under Section 13 of the Merchant Shipping Act, 2025.
- BoPS will function under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW) and perform regulatory and oversight functions for the security of ships and port facilities.
- The BoPS shall be headed by the Director General (an IPS officer of Pay Level-15). During the one-year transition period, the Director General of Shipping (DGS/DGMA) shall function as the Director General, BoPS.
- The Bureau is modelled on the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS), indicating sectoral best practices transfer.
- Under BoPS, a dedicated cyber security division will be established to protect port IT and digital infrastructure, highlighting the growing relevance of maritime cyber threats.
- Central Industrial Security Force (CISF): Earlier, to strengthen port security infrastructure, the CISF has been designated as a Recognised Security Organisation (RSO) for ports, with the responsibility of conducting security assessments and preparing port security plans.
- Under the new arrangement, the CISF is mandated to train and certify Private Security Agencies (PSAs) engaged in port security, with regulatory safeguards to ensure that only licensed agencies operate in the sector.
- Broader Significance: Experiences and best practices from BoPS-led maritime security are intended to be replicated in the aviation security domain, strengthening integrated internal security governance.
2nd Regional Open Digital Health Summit (RODHS) 2025
22-11-2025
Source: PIB
India hosted the 2nd Regional Open Digital Health Summit (RODHS) 2025 in New Delhi, bringing South-East Asian countries together to advance Universal Health Coverage (UHC) through Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) and open standards.
RODHS
- It is a key regional platform to advance open, interoperable, and people-centered digital health systems across the WHO South-East Asia Region.
- It brings together policymakers, technologists, and health experts to discuss Digital Public Infrastructure, WHO SMART (Standards-based, Machine-readable, Adaptive, Requirements-based, and Testable) Guidelines, and AI-enabled innovation.
- The Summit aims to strengthen regional cooperation and develop country-specific roadmaps to build scalable digital health systems that support UHC, health security, and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), building on the momentum of the inaugural summit held in Nairobi.
Pharmacogenomics
22-11-2025
Source: TH
Pharmacogenomics is revolutionizing healthcare by moving away from the traditional one-size-fits-all approach to using an individual's genetic makeup to predict drug response, enhance efficacy, and prevent adverse reactions.
- About Pharmacogenomics: It combines pharmacology (study of drugs) with genomics (study of genes) and studies how genetic variations affect an individual's response to drugs, determining if a medication will be effective, ineffective, or harmful.
- Relevance & Benefits: Approximately 90% of people carry at least one actionable pharmacogenetic variant, making this a common issue, not a rare one.
- Genetic testing now costs USD 200–500, making it more affordable, and is most cost-effective for chronic disease management.
- Drugs will be tailored based on proteins, enzymes, and RNA linked to specific diseases, improving target precision for individual needs.
- Genetic profiles enable doctors to prescribe the most effective drug from the start, reducing adverse reactions and speeding recovery.
- Key Concerns Related to Pharmacogenomics: Millions of SNPs (Single Nucleotide Polymorphism) need analysis, and linking them to drug responses is challenging.
- Genetic variants may limit available treatments for certain conditions.
- Developing drugs for smaller genetic groups is costly, deterring investment.
- Proven Clinical Impact: It is clinically proven to optimize treatments for drugs like Warfarin (Blood Thinner) and Clopidogrel (Heart Drug), and is critical in psychiatry and oncology to prevent adverse events and improve outcomes.
China Challenges India’s EV Subsidies at WTO
22-10-2025
Source:BS
China has approached the World Trade Organization (WTO) against India, alleging that the country’s electric vehicle (EV) and battery subsidies provide an “unfair competitive advantage” to domestic manufacturers.
- Allegations by China: China claims India’s subsidies breach WTO obligations, including the national treatment principle (requiring that imported goods be treated no less favorably than domestic goods once they enter the market).
- India’s EV subsidies on best-selling vehicles (including GST cuts, tax waivers, and PLI support) offer around 46% cost aid, far higher than the 10–26% subsidy levels in other major economies.
- China argues these measures breach the WTO’s Agreement on Subsidies and Countervailing Measures (which provides rules for use of government subsidies and remedies to address subsidized trade) by favouring Indian producers and distorting fair competition.
- China also claims that the subsidies also amount to prohibited import substitution subsidies (government financial aid for companies that are conditional on using domestic goods instead of imported ones, a practice deemed to distort international trade unfairly), favoring domestic EV industries over foreign competitors.
- Key EV Subsidy Schemes in India:
Compensation Portal for FASTag Annual Pass Scheme
22-10-2025
Source: ET
The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has introduced a compensation portal designed to enhance toll operations.
- This platform will empower dedicated officials to oversee revenue sharing for the FASTag Annual Pass scheme, significantly reducing conflicts over revenue losses faced by toll operators (concessionaires).
- FASTag Annual Pass Scheme: It was launched by National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) and National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) in August 2025, allows private vehicles to travel seamlessly on National Highways and Expressways through a one-time payment of Rs 3,000 for one year or 200 crossings whichever comes first.
- It reduces frequent recharges, ensures transparent NPCI-backed transactions, and eases toll payments, promoting smooth digital commuting.
- The pass is non-transferable and valid only for non-commercial cars, jeeps, and vans after checking through the VAHAN database.
- The Annual Pass currently excludes State Highways, but regular FASTag is applicable, and technical support will be provided if states implement the pass system.
- FASTag: It is an electronic toll collection system that uses Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology and integrated with the NPCI for automatic, cashless payments via linked bank accounts or prepaid wallets.
- NHAI has launched the 'One Vehicle, One FASTag' initiative that aims to discourage user behavior of using single FASTag for multiple vehicles.

India’s Digital Public Platforms (DPPs)
22-10-2025
Source: BL
The RBI Governor highlighted India’s vision to make digital innovations such as UPI and Modular Open-Source Identity Platform (MOSIP) global public goods, reaffirming the country’s commitment to international collaboration on Digital Public Platforms (DPPs).
DPPs
- About: DPPs are open, interoperable digital infrastructure solutions providing key public services, including:
- Digital identity (e.g., Aadhaar)
- Digital payments (e.g., UPI)
- Data exchange frameworks (e.g., DigiLocker, Account Aggregator).
- Core Features:
- Open Architecture: Encourages innovation by both private and public players.
- Interoperability: Supports seamless integration across sectors.
- Scalability: Manages large user volumes efficiently and cost-effectively
- India’s Global Positioning in DPPs: India is recognized as a global leader in DPP innovation and implementation, with systems like UPI being studied or adopted by countries including France, Singapore, and Sri Lanka, etc.
- A 1% increase in UPI transaction volume correlates with a 0.03% rise in GDP growth.
- MOSIP: It is a free, secure, and scalable system for building national digital identity systems, developed at IIIT-Bangalore.
- It is being adopted or explored by 27 countries to design and manage their own digital identities.
Bagram Air Base
22-09-2025
Source: IE
The US President warned Afghanistan of consequences if Bagram air base isn’t returned, hinting at possible military action. The base was vacated by US forces before their 2021 withdrawal from Afghanistan.
- About: Located about 60 km north of Kabul, Bagram Airfield is Afghanistan’s largest military base, positioned in the vital Parwan province.
- The province acts as a strategic gateway, with the 2.6 km Salang tunnel linking Kabul to Mazar-e-Sharif and other northern cities.
- In addition, highways from Parwan connect Kabul to Ghazni and Kandahar in the south and Bamiyan in the west, making it central to Afghanistan’s connectivity and control.
- Historical Evolution: The base was constructed by the Soviet Union in the 1950s and rose to prominence during the Cold War and the Soviet-Afghan War (1979–1989).
- Following the US-led invasion of Afghanistan in 2001, Bagram became the main operational hub for American forces, serving as a logistics, intelligence, and command centre throughout the War on Terror.
- Strategic Significance: Despite the withdrawal of US forces, Bagram continues to hold immense strategic value.
- Its location offers a vantage point over regional dynamics. With China building closer ties with the Taliban, the airbase’s role gains new relevance.
- The significance is amplified by proximity to sensitive Chinese sites—Lop Nur nuclear test site in Xinjiang is just 2,000 km away, while the Koko Nur nuclear weapons facility lies further east in Qinghai province.

SLINEX-25
22-08-2025
Source: PIB
The 12th edition of the India-Sri Lanka bilateral naval exercise SLINEX-25 concluded successfully in Colombo.
- They paid tribute at the Indian Peace Keeping Force (IPKF) Memorial, honoring Indian soldiers who sacrificed their lives during 1987–1990 peacekeeping operations in Sri Lanka.
- The SLINEX bilateral exercises, initiated in 2005, aim to enhance interoperability, mutual understanding, and best practice exchange,
- It reflects deep India-Sri Lanka maritime cooperation aligned with Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security Across the Regions (MAHASAGAR) policy.
- Defence & Security Cooperation: Other India-Sri Lanka bilateral exercise is Exercise Mitra Shakti (Army) held alternately in both countries.
- India acts as a 'first responder' for Sri Lanka in the field of Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief.

Nepal Declared Rubella-Free
22-08-2025
Source: WHO
The World Health Organization (WHO) has officially declared Nepal rubella-free, making it the first country in WHO’s South-East Asia Region to achieve this milestone.
Rubella
- About: Rubella (German measles), is a highly contagious viral infection caused by the rubella virus, an enveloped single-stranded RNA virus, which causes mild fever and rash.
- Risk and Impact: Mild in children and adults, but poses serious risks to pregnant women, potentially leading to miscarriage, stillbirth, or Congenital Rubella Syndrome (CRS) in infants.
- CRS can cause hearing impairment, cataracts, heart defects, and developmental delays, making rubella a leading cause of preventable congenital disabilities globally.
- Epidemiology: In 2022, there were 17,865 reported cases across 78 countries.
- In 2024, 14.3 million children missed all vaccinations, and only 84% of infants received the first dose of the measles vaccine.
- Prevention and Vaccination: The Measles-Rubella (MR) vaccine is the most effective preventive measure, administered in 2 doses to provide long-term immunity against rubella and its complications.
India’s Progress Towards Rubella Elimination
National Conference on Good Governance Practices
22-07-2025
Source: PIB
The National Conference on Good Governance Practices was held in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, jointly organized by the Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances (DARPG) and the Odisha government, with a focus on governance innovation and grassroots impact.
- Theme: “Good Governance Practices” featuring award-winning initiatives under the Prime Minister’s Awards for Excellence in Public Administration.
- Highlighted Innovative Digital Tools: The conference highlighted Centralised Public Grievance Redressal and Monitoring System (CPGRAMS) and Digital Life Certificate (also known as Jeevan Pramaan) have become global models for innovative governance.
- CPGRAMS: It is a 24x7 online platform for citizens to lodge grievances related to public service delivery.
- Launched by the Department of Administrative Reforms & Public Grievances (DARPG) under the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions, it connects all central ministries and state departments.
- It also allows appeals if the resolution is unsatisfactory. However, it excludes Right to Information queries, court or sub-judice matters, religious issues, and service-related grievances of government employees.
- Jeevan Pramaan: It is a biometric-enabled digital service launched in 2014 to simplify life certificate submission for pensioners. Instead of appearing in person, pensioners can now digitally verify their identity through a mobile app or online platform.
- This ensures continued pension disbursement while reducing fraud. It is available to Central, State, and other government pensioners.
- Over 10.31 crore digital life certificates have been submitted through Jeevan Pramaan since its launch in 2014, reflecting its wide adoption among pensioners.
International Moon Day
22-07-2025
Source: TH
20th July is observed annually as International Moon Day to mark the historic first human landing on the Moon by the Apollo 11 mission in 1969.
- The United Nations General Assembly officially recognised this observance in 2021, following a recommendation by the Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (COPUOS), to promote global cooperation in space exploration.
Apollo 11 Mission
- Apollo 11, launched by NASA on 16th July 1969, was the first successful crewed mission to land on the Moon and return safely to Earth.
- On 20th July 1969, astronauts Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin became the first humans to set foot on the lunar surface, while Michael Collins remained in lunar orbit aboard the Command Module.
- In total, there were six successful lunar landings under the Apollo program: Apollo 11, 12, 14, 15, 16, and 17.
India’s Lunar Mission
- India’s Moon missions began with Chandrayaan-1 (2008), which discovered water on the Moon, followed by Chandrayaan-2 (2019), whose orbiter remains active despite a failed landing.
- Chandrayaan-3 (2023) achieved a historic soft landing at the South Pole, making India the first to do so (fourth nation to land on the Moon).
- Upcoming missions include Chandrayaan-4 (2027) for sample return, and Chandrayaan-5 (LUPEX), a joint mission with Japan (JAXA) to explore lunar water and ice, planned for 2027–28.

National Flag Day 2025
22-07-2025
Source: IE
Why in News?
India observed National Flag Day (Tiranga Adoption Day), on 22nd July 2025, to mark the anniversary of the Indian National Flag's official adoption by the Constituent Assembly in 1947.
What are the Key Facts About the Indian National Flag?
- Evolution of the Indian National Flag:
- 1904: Designed by Sister Nivedita, it featured red and yellow with a Vajra (strength), a white lotus (purity), and "Bande Mataram" inscribed.
- 1906 (Swadeshi Movement Flag): Considered the first tricolour, it was hoisted in Calcutta with green, yellow, and red horizontal stripes. It featured lotuses, a sun, a crescent moon, and the words "Vande Mataram".
- 1907 (Saptarishi Flag): Hoisted by Madam Bhikaji Cama in Germany. It had green, saffron, and red stripes with lotuses, "Vande Mataram", a sun, and a crescent moon.
- 1917 (Home Rule Movement Flag): Introduced by Annie Besant and Tilak. It had red and green stripes, the Union Jack, crescent and star, and stars in the Saptarishi pattern.
- 1921: Pingali Venkayya (an Indian freedom fighter, linguist, and polymath from Andhra Pradesh), proposed a red, white, and green flag with a spinning wheel, symbolising unity and self-reliance. The design of the present Indian flag is largely attributed to him.
- In 1931 Saffron replaced red. The flag had saffron, white, and green with a spinning wheel in the centre. It was adopted by the Indian National Congress.
- 1947 (Present Flag): Adopted by the Constituent Assembly. The spinning wheel was replaced with the Ashoka Chakra.
- Common name: Tiranga, meaning Tricolour.
- Design: Three horizontal stripes: saffron (kesari) (top), White (middle), Green (bottom), with a navy blue Ashoka Chakra in the centre.
- Ashoka Chakra: The Ashoka Chakra, with 24 spokes, is based on the wheel from the Sarnath Lion Capital made by the 3rd-century BC Mauryan Emperor Ashoka and fits within the width of the white band.
- Symbolism:
- Saffron: Strength and Courage of the Country.
- White: Purity, Truth, and Peace.
- Green: Fertility, growth, and prosperity, reflecting India’s agricultural roots and environmental commitment.
- Ashoka Chakra (known as the “wheel of law”): Represents Law, justice, and the cycle of life. The chakra intends to show that there is life in movement and death in stagnation.
- Flag dimensions: 3:2 ratio (length to height).
- Regulation: Governed by the Flag Code of India, 2002 which sets rules for display, handling, and respect for the flag.
- Material: Traditionally made from hand-spun khadi (cotton), symbolising self-reliance. In 2021, the Flag Code of India, 2002 was amended to allow the national flag to be made from other approved materials, including machine-made and polyester flags.
What is the Flag Code of India, 2002?
- About: The Flag Code of India, 2002, came into effect on 26th January 2002, allowing citizens to hoist the national flag at their homes, offices, and factories on any day, not just on national occasions provided they follow the code's rules.
- The Code is divided into three parts: Part I describes the flag, Part II covers its use by the public and institutions, and Part III outlines its display by government bodies.
- Flag Code outlines the Do's and Don'ts to preserve the dignity and honour of the national flag.
- The Flag Code of India was amended in 2022 to allow the national flag to be flown day and night if displayed in the open or on a private home. Earlier, it was only allowed between sunrise and sunset. The change came ahead of the Har Ghar Tiranga campaign under Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav.
- The Do's: The flag may be hoisted in schools and other institutions to promote respect.
- Citizens, private groups, and institutions can display the flag on any day, with dignity.
- It grants all citizens the right to fly the flag on their premises.
- The Don'ts: The flag cannot be used for communal gains, drapery, or clothes.
- The flag cannot be intentionally allowed to touch the ground or the floor or trail in water. It cannot be draped over the hood, top, and sides or back of vehicles, trains, boats or aircraft.
- No other flag, object, or decoration should be placed above or on the flag.
UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Question (PYQ)
Q. Who among the following is associated with ‘Songs from Prison’, a translation of ancient Indian religious lyrics in English? (2021)
(a) Bal Gangadhar Tilak
(b) Jawaharlal Nehru
(c) Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi
(d) Sarojini Naidu
Ans: (c)
Q. What is the number of spokes in the Dharmachakra in the National Flag of India? (2008)
(a) 16
(b) 18
(c) 22
(d) 24
Ans: (d)
Lokayan 26
22-01-2026
Source: PIB
- The Indian Navy’s sail training ship INS Sudarshini began the Lokayan 26 expedition on 20th January 2026, reflecting India’s maritime heritage and the spirit of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam.
- About: Lokayan 26 is a 10-month transoceanic voyage covering over 22,000 nautical miles with visits to 18 foreign ports across 13 countries.
- Engagements: INS Sudarshini will participate in the renowned tall-ship events Escale à Sète in France and SAIL 250 in New York, USA, showcasing India’s maritime heritage and seafaring traditions.
- Training & Capacity Building: More than 200 Indian Navy and Coast Guard trainees will undergo intensive sail training, gaining experience in long-range navigation, traditional seamanship and interaction with trainees from other navies.
- About INS Sudarshini: INS Sudarshini, the second sail training ship of the Indian Navy after INS Tarangini, has already sailed over 1,40,000 nautical miles, serving as a symbol of India’s maritime professionalism and goodwill.

INS Sagardhwani Flags Off for Sagar Maitri V
22-01-2026
Source: PIB
Recently, the Indian Navy flagged off INS Sagardhwani from the Southern Naval Command, Kochi, for the fifth edition of the Sagar Maitri (SM-5) mission.
Sagar Maitri Initiative
- About: Sagar Maitri (SM) is a joint programme of the Indian Navy and DRDO, aligned with India’s vision of MAHASAGAR – Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions.
- Its scientific component, MAITRI (Marine & Allied Interdisciplinary Training and Research Initiative), focuses on long-term joint research and capacity building with partner countries.
- Objectives: The initiative aims at the collection of oceanographic and acoustic data along designated observational tracks and at strengthening scientific cooperation among Indian Ocean Rim (IOR) countries.
- It is central to DRDO’s efforts to enhance Underwater Domain Awareness (UDA) for maritime security.
- SM-5 Mission: Under the SM-5 mission, INS Sagardhwani will retrace the historic routes of INS Kistna, which participated in the 1962–65 International Indian Ocean Expedition, thereby reviving collaborative ocean research.
- INS Sagardhwani: A marine acoustic research vessel designed by Naval Physical and Oceanographic Laboratory(NPOL), Kochi and built by Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers(GRSE), Kolkata.
- Since its commissioning in July 1994, it has been India’s primary platform for long-term oceanographic observation and maritime research.

Threat to Dugong Population in India
21-11-2025
Source: IE
Why in News?
A recent report launched at the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Conservation Congress in Abu Dhabi highlights the growing threat to the dugong population in India.
What are Dugongs?
- About: Dugongs are marine mammals, related to manatees, with a plump appearance and a dolphin-like fluke tail. They grow up to 10 feet in length and weigh around 420 kilograms.
- Manatees are large, herbivorous aquatic mammals of the Sirenia group, found in coastal regions of South America, West Africa, and the Caribbean.
- Diet: Dugongs are herbivorous marine mammals, feeding primarily on seagrass meadows like Cymodocea, Halophila, Thalassia, and Halodule, earning them the nickname "sea cows" and "farmers of the sea."
- They require 30-40 kg of seagrass daily for sustenance and live in shallow, warm coastal waters, such as bays, lagoons, and estuaries, usually less than 10 meters deep.
- Distribution: They are primarily found in the Gulf of Kutch, the Gulf of Mannar–Palk Bay region (between India and Sri Lanka), and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
- The report, titled ‘A Global Assessment of Dugong Status and Conservation Needs’, indicates that the survival of dugongs in the Gulf of Kutch and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands is uncertain and highly challenged, while the population in the Gulf of Mannar–Palk Bay has significantly decreased.
- Behaviour: The dugong is a long-lived species, capable of living up to 70 years. Typically solitary or found in small mother-calf pairs, large herds common in Australian waters are rare in India.
- Reproduction: They reach reproductive maturity at nine to ten years and give birth every three to five years, resulting in a slow reproductive cycle that limits their population growth rate to approximately 5% per year.
- Protection:
- The Dugong is listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.
- Appendix I of Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) bans international trade of dugongs or their parts, ensuring strict protection.
- In India, Dugongs are protected under Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
- Significance:
- Ecosystem and Climate Benefits: Their role is so crucial that they are called ecosystem engineers, as they play a vital part in maintaining seagrass meadows.
- These meadows, in turn, promote biodiversity, enhance carbon sequestration, and support marine life by releasing nutrients that benefit fish, shellfish, and invertebrates.
- Economic Impact: Seagrass beds with dugongs contribute at least Rs 2 crore per year in additional fish production, highlighting their significant ecological and economic value.

What are the Challenges and Conservation Measures for the Dugong Population?
Challenges
- Population Decline: The dugong population in Indian waters, once abundant, has significantly declined over the years, with a 2012 report by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change estimating around 200 individuals.
- While some environmentalists estimate the current dugong population to be between 400 and 450, others believe it remains below 250, suggesting little to no substantial increase.
- Accurately determining the exact number of dugongs in India remains challenging, as they are elusive creatures living in murky coastal waters, where traditional survey methods often fail to provide reliable data.
- Pollution: A study published in Marine Pollution Bulletin revealed the presence of toxic metals like arsenic, cadmium, chromium, mercury, and lead in the tissues of stranded dugongs, primarily due to industrial discharge, agricultural runoff, and untreated wastewater.
- Slow Reproductive Rate: Dugongs have a slow reproduction cycle, with females giving birth once every several years, making them more vulnerable to extinction.
- Habitat loss: It is a major concern, as seagrass meadows are being destroyed by port construction, dredging, land reclamation, and pollution from agricultural runoff, sewage, and industrial waste.
- Climate change: It has added another layer of vulnerability, with rising sea temperatures, ocean acidification, and extreme weather events affecting both food availability and breeding grounds.
Conservation Measures
- Convention on Migratory Species (CMS): India is a signatory to the Convention on Migratory Species (CMS) since 1983 and to the CMS Dugong Memorandum of Understanding since 2008.
- In 2010, the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change (MoEFCC) constituted a Task Force for Conservation of Dugongs.
- Dugong Conservation Reserve: It was established in Palk Bay in 2022 by the Tamil Nadu government, covering an area of 448 square kilometers to protect seagrass meadows and dugongs.
- Dugong Recovery Programme: It is a national programme launched in collaboration with the state governments of Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
- Seagrass Habitat Protection: Protecting and restoring seagrass meadows is crucial for dugong conservation, requiring the mapping and monitoring of these habitats, as well as restricting harmful activities, with a focus on community involvement, particularly local fishers.
- Regulating Harmful Fishing Practices: Implementing regulations to limit destructive fishing methods, such as gill nets and trawling, in dugong habitats is essential to reduce accidental harm and safeguard the species.
- Increased Research and Technology: Additional funding for long-term dugong studies is necessary, with a focus on citizen science and traditional knowledge, while technologies like tagging and drones can help in tracking and identifying key habitats.
Seagrass
- Seagrass is an underwater flowering plant, distinct from seaweed, and is considered a wetland ecosystem.
- Seagrass meadows help stabilize the seafloor, support fish populations, capture carbon, and provide shelter for marine life.
- India’s most extensive seagrass meadows occur along the Gulf of Mannar and Palk Bay, off the coast of Tamil Nadu, and together support more than 13 species of seagrass (the highest diversity in the Indian Ocean).
- Seagrass in Lakshadweep and Kachchh is patchy and threatened by port activities and pollution. Andhra Pradesh and Odisha have minor, limited seagrass habitats unsuitable for dugongs.
Frequently Asked Questions(FAQs)
1: What are dugongs and where are they found in India?
Dugongs are marine mammals found in the Gulf of Kutch, Gulf of Mannar–Palk Bay, and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
2: What are the major threats to the dugong population in India?
Major threats include population decline, pollution, slow reproduction, habitat loss, and climate change.
3: How do dugongs contribute to the ecosystem and economy?
Dugongs maintain seagrass meadows, which support marine life, aid carbon sequestration, and contribute Rs 2 crore annually in fish production.
4: What conservation measures are being implemented to protect dugongs in India?
Conservation measures include protecting seagrass, regulating fishing, community involvement, and increasing research.
5: What is the importance of seagrass for dugong conservation?
Seagrass provides food and habitat for dugongs, stabilizes the seafloor, and supports marine biodiversity.
UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Questions (PYQs)
Prelims
Q. With reference to ‘dugong’, a mammal found in India, which of the following statements is/are correct? (2015)
- It is a herbivorous marine animal.
- It is found along the entire coast of India.
- It is given legal protection under Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act; 1972.
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
(A) 1 and 2 only
(B) 2 and 3 only
(C) 1 and 3 only
(D) 1, 2 and 3
Ans: C
PMFBY Expansion to Cover Wildlife Damage and Paddy Inundation
21-11-2025
Source: IE
Why in News?
The Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare has announced that the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) will now cover crop losses due to wild animal attacks and paddy inundation from the Kharif season 2026.
- In 2018, paddy inundation (damage caused by floods and heavy rainfall) was removed from the localised calamity category due to assessment challenges, but it has now been re-included.
What is the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY)?
- About: PMFBY is a Central Sector Scheme launched in 2016 by the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare.
- It provides financial protection to farmers against crop losses caused by natural disasters, pests, or diseases and aims to support farmers financially.
- Objectives:

- Eligibility & Coverage: All farmers, including sharecroppers and tenant farmers cultivating notified crops in designated areas, are eligible for coverage under PMFBY.
- Participation is voluntary, with non-loanee farmers making up 55% of the total beneficiaries.
- The number of farmer applications has risen from 371 lakh in 2014-15 to 1510 lakh in 2024-25, while non-loanee farmer applications grew from 20 lakh to 522 lakh over the same period.
- Risk Protection: PMFBY offers comprehensive protection against a range of risks.
- Natural Disasters: Covers losses from floods, droughts, cyclones, hailstorms, landslides, and unseasonal rainfall.
- Pest & Disease Protection: Safeguards crops against pest infestations and diseases.
- Post-Harvest Losses (Individual Farm Basis): Provides compensation for damages within 14 days of harvest, particularly for crops in a “cut and spread” condition.
- Localised Calamities: Offers individual farm-based compensation for localized disasters e.g., hailstorms, landslides etc.
- Prevented Sowing (Notified Area Basis): Farmers who cannot sow due to adverse weather despite intent and incurred costs can claim up to 25% of the sum insured.
- Premium Rates: Farmers contribute affordable premiums of 2% for Kharif crops, 1.5% for Rabi crops, and 5% for annual commercial or horticultural crops.
- The government provides full premium subsidies for farmers in the Northeast, Jammu & Kashmir, and Himachal Pradesh.
- Technology Deployment for Loss Assessment:
- Satellite Imagery & Drones: Employed to estimate crop areas, resolve yield disputes, and assess crop losses.
- Crop Cutting Experiments (CCEs): The CCE-Agri App allows direct data uploads to the National Crop Insurance Portal (NCIP), ensuring transparent yield evaluations.
- YES-TECH (Yield Estimation System Based on Technology): It enables remote sensing-based crop yield estimation for fair and accurate assessments.
- Additional Tools: The scheme also leverages DigiClaim, CROPIC (Collection of Real-Time Observations and Photographs of Crops), and WINDS (Weather Information Network Data Systems) for accurate and timely assessments.
- Quick Settlement: PMFBY guarantees claim settlement within two months of harvest, offering timely compensation to help farmers prevent falling into debt.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is PMFBY?
PMFBY is a central sector scheme providing financial protection to farmers against crop losses due to natural disasters, pests, and diseases.
2. Who is eligible for PMFBY coverage?
All farmers, including sharecroppers and tenant farmers cultivating notified crops in designated areas, with participation being voluntary.
3. What recent changes are being introduced in PMFBY from Kharif 2026?
Inclusion of wild animal attacks as localised risk and reintroduction of paddy inundation cover to enhance protection for farmers in vulnerable areas.
UPSC Civil Services Examination Previous Year Question (PYQ)
Q. With reference to ‘Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana’, consider the following statements: (2016)
- Under this scheme, farmers will have to pay a uniform premium of two percent for any crop they cultivate in any season of the year.
- This scheme covers post-harvest losses arising out of cyclones and unseasonal rains.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Ans: (b)
Tiger Returns to Gujarat After Three Decades
21-11-2025
Source: IE
A tiger has been officially spotted in Gujarat's Ratanmahal Wildlife Sanctuary (WLS), marking the first confirmed sighting of the species in the state since it was declared extinct in 1989.
Ratanmahal Wildlife Sanctuary
- Location & Establishment: Also known as Ratanmahal Sloth Bear Sanctuary, located in the Dahod district of Gujarat, borders Jhabua and Kathiwada regions of Madhya Pradesh that are both known for tiger population.
- It was declared a sanctuary in 1982.
- Flora: It has dry teak forests at the foothills and mixed deciduous forests with dry bamboo thickets on the periphery, with a high concentration of Mahua and Jamun trees, key food sources for sloth bears.
- Fauna: It is a crucial habitat for the Sloth Bear, supporting the maximum population of this species in the entire state of Gujarat. It also hosts a large population of leopards.
- Ecological Significance: Forms the catchment of river Panam, supporting water conservation and irrigation in Dahod and Panchmahals districts.

India Pushes Big Cat Conservation at CoP30
21-11-2025
Source: PIB
Why in News?
India, at the High-Level Ministerial Segment on the International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA) during United Nations Climate Change Conference (UNFCCC) Conference of Parties (CoP30) in Belém, Brazil called for stronger global cooperation to protect big cats.
- India will host the Global Big Cats Summit in New Delhi in 2026.
- India also released ‘One Earth, One Family, One Future: A Decade of Climate Action’, summarising progress in mitigation, adaptation and climate finance, and outlining the pathway to a Viksit and Sustainable Bharat 2047.
Why are Big Cats Important for Climate and Biodiversity?
- Apex Predators: They regulate prey populations and maintain ecological balance across forests and grasslands.
- Healthy predator–prey dynamics improve ecosystem resilience to climate change, droughts and habitat degradation.
- Ecosystem Health Indicators: Thriving big cat populations reflect healthy forests, regenerating grasslands and functioning watershed systems.
- Nature-Based Climate Solutions: Big cat landscapes store carbon, support natural regeneration and strengthen long-term climate mitigation efforts, making them important Nature-Based Climate Solutions.
- Conserving big cats safeguards carbon sinks, water security, biodiversity and soil stability, which are the key components of climate and ecological health.
What are the Key Facts About the International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA)?
- IBCA: It is India led multi-country, multi-agency coalition that brings together 95 big cat range countries, non-range nations interested in conservation, global conservation partners, and scientific organisations involved in big cat research, creating a unified platform for collaborative action and knowledge sharing.
- Launched by India in 2023 during the 50 years of Project Tiger, IBCA was later approved by the Union Cabinet with its Secretariat headquartered in India.
- IBCA was established through the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) under the Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change (MoEFCC).
- Species Covered: IBCA aimed at conserving seven big cats (Tiger, Lion, Leopard, Snow Leopard, Cheetah, Jaguar, Puma). India hosts 5 of the 7 (Puma and Jaguar are not found in India).
- Objective: To curb illegal wildlife trade, conserve natural habitats, mobilise financial and technical resources, mitigate climate change impacts on big cats.
- Membership: It is open to all UN member countries, range countries where these big cats naturally occur, and non-range countries willing to support global big cat conservation.
- Funding: India has committed Rs. 150 crore (2023-2028) in support to the IBCA and is exploring additional funding through bilateral, multilateral, and donor organizations.
- Significance: It provides a unified global platform for big cat conservation.
- Enhances cooperation, capacity-building, south–south collaboration, and technology exchange.
- IBAC supports ecosystem resilience, carbon storage, and climate change mitigation through Nature-Based Climate Solutions.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1.What is the International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA)?
IBCA is a multi-country, multi-agency coalition launched by India to conserve seven big cats (Tiger, Lion, Leopard, Snow Leopard, Cheetah, Jaguar, Puma), promote best practices, provide technical support and mobilise finance for range countries.
2. Which species and how many countries are associated with IBCA?
IBCA covers seven big cat species (Tiger, Lion, Leopard, Snow Leopard, Cheetah, Jaguar, Puma) and brings together 95 big-cat range countries along with non-range nations, scientific organisations, NGOs and private partners for coordinated conservation action.
3. How do big cats contribute to climate mitigation?
Big cats indicate healthy ecosystems; conserving their habitats preserves forests and grasslands that act as carbon sinks, protect watersheds and enhance ecosystem resilience.
UPSC Civil Services Examination Previous Year Question (PYQ)
Q. Consider the following statements: (2019)
- Asiatic lion is naturally found in India only.
- Double-humped camel is naturally found in India only.
- One-horned rhinoceros is naturally found in India only.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Ans: (a)
Q. Consider the following statements: (2024)
- Lions do not have a particular breeding season.
- Unlike most other big cats, cheetahs do not roar.
- Unlike male lions, male leopards do not proclaim their territory by scent marking.
Which of the statements given above are correct ?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 2
Ans: (a)
Q. Consider the following: (2012)
- Black-necked crane
- Cheetah
- Flying squirrel
- Snow leopard
Which of the above are naturally found in India?
(a) 1, 2 and 3 only
(b) 1, 3 and 4 only
(c) 2 and 4 only
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
Ans: (b)
United Nations Global Geospatial Information Management(UN-GGIM)
21-10-2025
Source: PIB
India has been elected as the Co-Chair of the United Nations Global Geospatial Information Management for Asia and the Pacific (UN-GGIM-AP) for the 2025–2028 term.
- Geospatial data is time-based data that is related to a specific location on the Earth’s surface. It can provide insights into relationships between variables and reveal patterns and trends.
- The Co-Chair election reflects India’s rising influence in geospatial innovation, capacity building, and regional cooperation across Asia-Pacific nations.
- India will focus on secure digital transformation, good governance, and data-driven decision-making under the UN-GGIM Strategic Framework.
UN-GGIM
- Led by UN Member States, UN-GGIM aims to address global challenges regarding the use of geospatial information, including in the development agendas, and to serve as a body for global policymaking in the field of geospatial information management.
- UN-GGIM-AP, one of five regional UN-GGIM committees, represents 56 Asia-Pacific nations and promotes geospatial cooperation, capacity building, and shared solutions for economic, social, and environmental benefits.
‘Darbar Move’ Returns in Jammu & Kashmir
21-10-2025
Source: IE
After a four-year break, the Darbar Move, the 150-year-old biannual transfer of Jammu and Kashmir’s Civil Secretariat and government offices between Srinagar (summer capital) and Jammu (winter capital), is set to resume this winter.
- Historical and Administrative Significance: It was started in 1872 by Maharaja Gulab Singh (1st Dogra ruler of erstwhile J&K State) to bring administration closer to the people, addressing the challenges of poor road connectivity between regions.
- It continued post-independence, becoming a symbol of regional integration between Jammu and Kashmir.
- Interruption in Practice: A 2020 J&K High Court ruling observed that there was no “legal justification or Constitutional basis” for the Darbar Move.
- In 2021, LG’s administration had taken the decision to end the practice of Darbar Move and projected it would save the government Rs 200 crore every year.
- Implications: Revival of the traditional “Darbar Move” can reinforce regional parity in post-Article 370 governance and boosts local economies in host cities during each move.
- However, challenges such as logistical strain, disruption of administrative continuity, and environmental and security concerns persist.
- About Maharaja Gulab Singh: He founded the princely state of Jammu & Kashmir (J&K) in 1846, was a direct descendant of the Jammu ruling family, and part of the renowned Dogra Trio alongside his brothers Dhian Singh and Suchet Singh.
Kurinji Bloom
21-10-2025
Source:TH
The mass flowering of Kurinji after eight years in Tamil Nadu’s newly notified Gudalur Reserve Forest in the Nilgiris signals biodiversity recovery and serves as an indicator of healthy grasslands and changing climate conditions.
- Over 60 species of Kurinji, including Neelakurinji (Strobilanthes kunthiana), are endemic to the Western Ghats, with 33 varieties in the Nilgiris.
- In Gudalur, the recent mass bloom is of Strobilanthes sessilis a variety of Kurinji, which flowers once every eight years.
- Kurinji flowers once in a lifetime, like bamboo, and dies after flowering, relying on seed germination for the next generation.
- Color variations include purple, blue, white, and pink, with multiple shades for each.
- Neelakurinji: It is a shrub native to the shola forests of the Western Ghats. It is found in abundance in the Kodaikanal region of Tamil Nadu.
- The plant blooms once every 12 years and is classified as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List. The Nilgiris (“Blue Mountains”) get their name from its blue flowers.
- Cultural Significance: In local mythology, the Kurinji flower is associated with Lord Muruga. Among the Muthuvas and Todas tribes, Kurinji symbolizes love and passion.
- Ecological Importance: Mass flowering of Kurinji attracts butterflies, honeybees, and other insects, supporting pollination.
- It is an indicator of healthy grasslands and thriving wildlife, including elephants, tigers, and hornbills.

Rare Earth Magnet
21-08-2025
Source: FE
China has decided to lift restrictions on the export of rare earth magnets to India, providing a significant boost to sectors like automobiles, renewable energy, consumer electronics, defence, aerospace, and healthcare.
Rare Earth Magnets
- Definition: Rare earth magnets are the strongest type of permanent magnets commercially available, known for high magnetic strength and resistance to demagnetisation.
- Composition: Made primarily from rare earth elements like neodymium, praseodymium, and dysprosium, often in alloys such as neodymium-iron-boron (NdFeB).
- Applications: Crucial in miniaturised and energy-efficient devices where weight, space, and thermal resistance are key. Used in electric motors, sensors, speakers, and other high-performance components.
- Adoption has surged over the past 6–8 years due to their compact size, high effectiveness, and thermal resistance compared to traditional magnets.
- Global Market: China accounts for ~70% of rare earth metals mining and nearly 90% of rare earth magnet production.
- India’s Plans for Self-Reliance: India is facilitating short-term imports of rare earth magnets from non-China sources like Vietnam, Brazil, and Russia, while aiming to build a full domestic production chain within 3–5 years, supported by incentives and public-private partnerships.

Godavari River
21-07-2025
Source: TH
Floods in Godavari River have displaced many people in Eluru district, Andhra Pradesh, leading to large-scale evacuations and the establishment of relief camps.
Godavari River
- About: Known as Dakshin Ganga (Ganges of the South), the Godavari is India’s second-longest (1465 km) river (after Ganga) and the largest river system in Peninsular India.
- Source & Drainage Basin: It originates from Trimbakeshwar near Nasik in Maharashtra and flows eastward before draining into the Bay of Bengal.
- Its basin spans Maharashtra, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and Odisha, with minor parts in Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka, and the Union Territory of Puducherry.
- The Godavari basin is roughly triangular in shape, with the Godavari River flowing near the base of the triangle.
- It is bounded by the Satmala Hills, Ajanta Range, and Mahadeo Hills in the North, the Eastern Ghats in the South and East, and the Western Ghats in the West.
- Major Tributaries: Purna, Pranhita, Indravati, and Sabari, Wainganga, Wardha, Penganga (Left-Bank) and Pravara, Manjira, and Manair (Right Bank).
- Cultural Significance: Hosts the Kumbh Mela at Nashik, one of 4 sacred sites in India for the event. Other Kumbh Mela sites include the Shipra in Ujjain, the Ganges in Haridwar, and the Ganga-Yamuna-Saraswati confluence at Prayag.
- Major Projects: Polavaram Irrigation Project, Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Project, Sriram Sagar Project (SRSP), Sadarmatt Anicut & Inchampalli Project

Redefining Second with Optical Atomic Clocks
21-07-2025
Source: TH
Researchers have conducted the most precise comparison of optical atomic clocks to date, paving the way to redefine the SI unit of time — the second — by 2030.
- Current Definition of the Second (SI Unit of Time): Since 1967, the second has been defined as 9,192,631,770 cycles of microwave radiation emitted by a Caesium-133 atom, serving as the foundation of global timekeeping through caesium (Cs) atomic clocks.
- Atomic Clocks: An Atomic Clock, invented by Louise Essen in 1955, is a high-precision timekeeping instrument that measures time using the vibrations of atoms.
- Atomic clocks don’t directly measure time. Instead, they generate radiation with a fixed frequency (frequency is essentially the inverse of time).
- Optical Atomic Clocks: They surpass traditional atomic clocks in accuracy, using atoms like Strontium-87, Ytterbium-171, and Indium-115 for 10,000× higher frequency precision.
- They use lasers to trigger atomic transitions, producing highly coherent light with stable frequency and wavelength.
- Difference Between Atomic and Optical Clock: Optical clocks can maintain precise timekeeping with a drift of only 1 second over 15 billion years, making them 100 times more accurate than traditional cesium atomic clocks. Cesium atomic clocks lose about 1 second every 300 million years.
- The cesium clocks operate at a frequency in the microwave range of the electromagnetic spectrum. In contrast, optical atomic clocks function at much higher frequencies in the optical (visible) range, enabling their superior precision.
- Applications of Optical Atomic Clocks: Its potential applications include quantum sensing, high-speed network synchronization, space science, and testing fundamental physics.
- In the future, they may even redefine the SI unit of time—the second.
51st G7 Summit
21-06-2025
Source: HT
Why in News?
India’s Prime Minister attended the 51st G7 Summit at Kananaskis, Canada. Though India is not a part of the G7 grouping, it has been invited for the global summit each year for the last six years and twelve times in total as an outreach country.
- The President of the European Commission was invited to attend the G7 Summit for the first time.
What are the Key Outcomes of the G7 Summit?
- Kananaskis Wildfire Charter: It commits to addressing wildfire threats through science-based, local actions and nature-based solutions, aligning with the goal to halt and reverse deforestation and land degradation by 2030 under the Glasgow Leaders' Declaration (2021).
- G7 Critical Minerals Action Plan: It focuses on diversifying critical mineral production, boosting investment and local value creation, and promoting innovation, building on the 2023 Five-Point Plan for Critical Minerals Security (also endorsed by India).
- The G7 also committed to strengthening the World Bank-led Resilient and Inclusive Supply Chain Enhancement (RISE) Partnership.
- Condemned Transnational Repression (TNR): The G7 condemned Transnational Repression (TNR), which refers to aggressive foreign interference where states or their proxies seek to intimidate, harass, harm, or coerce individuals or communities beyond their own borders.
- Prevent Migrant Smuggling: G7 committed to preventing migrant smuggling through the G7 Coalition to Prevent and Counter the Smuggling of Migrants and the 2024 G7 Action Plan targeting this issue.
What is G7?
- About: The G7 (Group of Seven) is an informal forum of the world’s most advanced economies — France, Germany, Italy, the UK, Japan, the US, and Canada.
- Origin & Evolution: The G7 was formed in 1975 as the G6 (US, UK, France, West Germany, Japan, Italy) in response to the 1973 oil crisis and financial turmoil, with Canada joining in 1976 to make it G7. The year 2025 marked the 50th anniversary of the G7.
- It became G8 in 1997 with the inclusion of Russia, but reverted to G7 in 2014 after Russia’s expulsion over the annexation of Crimea.
- Nature of G7:
- Informal grouping: No formal treaty, no permanent secretariat or bureaucracy.
- Rotating Presidency: Each member hosts and leads discussions in turn.
- Decisions by consensus: No binding laws (no legislative authority), but significant global influence due to members’ economic and political strength.
- Economic Significance:
- 40% of the global economy and 10% of the world's population live in G7 countries.
- 36% of global power generation capacity.
- 30% of global energy demand.
- 25% of global energy-related carbon dioxide (C02) emissions.
- Key Achievements:

UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Questions (PYQs)
Q. In which one of the following groups are all the four countries members of G20? (2020)
(a) Argentina, Mexico, South Africa and Turkey
(b) Australia, Canada, Malaysia and New Zealand
(c) Brazil, Iran, Saudi Arabia and Vietnam
(d) Indonesia, Japan, Singapore and South Korea
Ans: (a)

11th International Yoga Day 2025
21-06-2025
Source: PIB
Why in News?
The 11th International Yoga Day (IYD) is celebrated worldwide on 21st June with the theme ‘Yoga for One Earth, One Health’.
What is International Yoga Day?
- About: International Yoga Day, celebrated to raise awareness about yoga’s benefits for health, well-being, and peace.
- Its objectives are to promote physical, mental, and spiritual health, spread awareness of yoga as a gift of ancient Indian tradition, and encourage global harmony and peace through its practice.
- Origin & UN Declaration: It was proposed by India at the 69th UN General Assembly (2014), leading to declaration of 21st June as International Day of Yoga (IDY).
- The first IDY was celebrated in 2015 with the theme "Yoga for Harmony and Peace".
- Significance of 21st June: International Yoga Day on 21st June coincides with the Summer Solstice — the longest day in the Northern Hemisphere — when the sun’s rays fall directly on the Tropic of Cancer, bringing maximum daylight and marking a transition to spiritual awakening in yogic traditions.
- Global Recognition: UNESCO inscribed Yoga as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2016.
What is Yoga?
- About: Yoga, derived from Sanskrit "Yuj" (to unite), symbolizes mind-body harmony.
- It traces its roots to the Indus Valley Civilization through seals (yogic posture on Pashupati seal) and fossils, is mentioned in the Vedas, and was systematically compiled in Patanjali’s Yogasutra (2nd century BC).
- Yoga is one of the six orthodox schools of Indian philosophy (along with Nyaya, Vaisheshika, Sankhya, Mimamsa, Vedanta).
- Modern Relevance: Yoga promotes holistic health by enhancing physical flexibility, mental clarity, and stress relief; it was used for Covid-19 psycho-social rehabilitation, and is globally popular in forms like Hatha, Ashtanga, and Iyengar.
- India’s Initiatives Related to Yoga: M-Yoga App, Vocational Education Courses in Yoga, Part of Fit India Movement.
UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Question (PYQ)
Q. Which one of the following pairs does not form part of the six systems of Indian Philosophy? (2014)
(a) Mimamsa and Vedanta
(b) Nyaya and Vaisheshika
(c) Lokayata and Kapalika
(d) Sankhya and Yoga
Ans: (c)
Q.With reference to the history of philosophical thought in India, consider the following statements regarding Sankhya school: (2013)
- Sankhya does not accept the theory of rebirth or transmigration of soul.
- Sankhya holds that it is the self-knowledge that leads to liberation and not any exterior influence or agent.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Ans: (b)

Magna Carta: Blueprint for Democracy
21-06-2025
Source: IE
The Magna Carta (1215) remains a cornerstone of constitutional governance even 810 years after its signing, with its rediscovery at Harvard University sparking renewed discussions on its lasting impact on human rights and the rule of law across the world.
Magna Carta
- About: The Magna Carta (Latin: Great Charter), signed on 15th June 1215 at Runnymede Meadows near London by King John of England, established the principle that the king is not above the law and limited his arbitrary powers.
- Origin: It was triggered when the barons rebelled against King John’s arbitrary rule, demanding formalized rights in response to his high taxes and military failures (such as the loss of Normandy, 1204 and the Battle of Bouvines, 1214).
- Barons received land grants from kings in exchange for loyalty and providing knights during wars.
- Supremacy of Law: Despite its limitations (protecting primarily elite men, not serfs or women), Magna Carta introduced the principle of rule of law — even the king was subject to the law.
- Provisions: The document set out 63 clauses, including:
- Clause 39: Protection from arbitrary arrest, imprisonment, and exile, ensuring action only by lawful judgment of peers or the law of the land.
- Clause 40: Assurance that justice will not be sold, denied, or delayed.
- Legacy: Inspired habeas corpus and safeguards against arbitrary detention.
- Influenced the US Constitution and Bill of Rights during the American Revolution.
- Continues to symbolise resistance to tyranny and the assertion of individual rights under law.

Nothopegia Fossil Leaves
21-06-2025
Source: PIB
Fossilized leaves of Nothopegia, dated to 24–23 million years ago (late Oligocene epoch), were discovered in Assam’s Makum Coalfield.
- Researchers used morphological comparison with modern species, cluster analysis for identification, and CLAMP (Climate Leaf Analysis Multivariate Program) to identify the fossils and reconstruct the ancient climate of the region.
Nothopegia
- About: Nothopegia is a genus of flowering plants belonging to the Anacardiaceae family, which also includes mango.
- It comprises several tropical tree species valued for their ecological and medicinal significance.
- Present Distribution: Currently, Nothopegia is found exclusively in the Western Ghats, a UNESCO-recognized biodiversity hotspot in peninsular India.
- Botanical Features: These leaves are broad with reticulate venation and are typically adapted to warm, humid tropical climates.
- The fossils show a strong resemblance to current Nothopegia species in the Western Ghats.
- Cause of Extinction in the Northeast:
- The tectonic uplift of the Himalayas led to major climatic shifts in the region.
- Alterations in temperature, rainfall, and wind patterns made the Northeast unsuitable for tropical species like Nothopegia.
- As a result, the genus became extinct in the Northeast but survived in the climatically stable Western Ghats, showcasing an example of climate-driven species migration.

Makum Coalfield
- Located in Margherita, Tinsukia district of Assam, it is the only coal-producing region in Northeast India.
- It is also a significant paleobotanical site, rich in Tertiary-period fossil records.

Ban on Illegal Betting & Gambling Sites
21-01-2026
Source: TH
Recently, the Union Government blocked 242 illegal betting and gambling websites, taking the total blocked under this category to 7,800, following the ban on real-money online gaming under the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act, 2025.
Online Gambling
- About: Online gambling involves internet-based betting to win money or prizes, covering casino games, sports betting, poker and lotteries, with regulations varying across countries.
- Modus Operandi: Illegal operators exploit regulatory gaps by avoiding GST, frequently switching URLs to evade blocking, and siphoning funds abroad through mule accounts, complicating enforcement and financial recovery.
- Status in India: Although betting and gambling traditionally fall under Entry 34 of the State List, the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act, 2025, has imposed a nationwide ban on all real-money online games.
- The Act prohibits offering, advertising, or facilitating real-money gaming and bars banks and financial institutions from processing payments linked to such platforms.
- Authorities are empowered to block illegal online gaming and gambling platforms using powers under the Information Technology Act, 2000.
- GST Provision: A 28% GST applies to online money gaming, casinos and horse racing.
- Online Gaming vs Gambling: The activities based mainly on skill are treated as gaming, while those based on chance/luck are treated as gambling.
National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) Raising Day
21-01-2026
Source: PIB
Recently, the Prime Minister greeted and commended the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) on its Raising Day on 19th January 2026, marking the formation of the force.
National Disaster Response Force (NDRF)
- About: The NDRF was raised on 19th January 2006 under Disaster Management Act, 2005 and has expanded from 8 to 16 battalions, with 18,556 personnel deployed across 68 locations, including Regional Response Centres and Tactical Pre-positioning Locations.
- Structure: It operates through four operational zones headquartered in New Delhi, with each battalion comprising 18 specialised search and rescue teams, while the NDRF Academy (2018) serves as the apex training institution with a new campus under development at Nagpur.
- Mandate and Scope: The NDRF is mandated to respond to all natural and man-made disasters, including collapsed structures, floods, Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear(CBRN) incidents, mountain and rope rescue, medical first response and animal rescue, with forest fire response added in 2022.
- Global Disaster Response Experience: The NDRF has significant international experience, including operations during the Japan disaster (2011), Nepal earthquake (2015) and Operation Dost in Türkiye (2023), and is currently mentoring a Heavy Urban Search and Rescue team for International Search and Rescue Advisory Group (INSARAG) certification.
- CBRN Response & Training: Recognising emerging risks, the NDRF declared 2024 as the “Year of CBRN Preparedness” and conducted national workshops, specialised training, SOP formulation and coordination exercises.
Sammakka–Saralamma Jatara
21-01-2026
Source: TH
Telangana will host the Sammakka–Saralamma Jatara (Medaram Jatara) from 28 January 2026 at Medaram village in Mulugu district.
Sammakka–Saralamma Jatara
- About: The Medaram Jatara is a three-day, biennial tribal festival of the Koya community, held in the month of Magha (February), recognised as one of the world’s largest indigenous spiritual congregations, and was declared a State Festival in 1996.
- Location: The festival is held in the forests of Dandakaranya within the Eturnagaram Wildlife Sanctuary, on the banks of Jampanna Vagu, a tributary of the Godavari River.
- Jampanna Vagu is named after the warrior Jampanna, who died fighting the Kakatiya army.
- Historical and Folklore origins: Sammakka, found as an infant among tigers, became a tribal leader and married Pagididda Raju, bearing Saralamma, Nagulamma and Jampanna.
- Sammakka resisted Kakatiya rulers following famine and unjust taxation, after a battle that killed her family, she disappeared into the forest, leaving behind bangles and kumkum, which remain her sacred symbols.
- Core Belief System: The festival centres on kinship worship, invoking Sammakka, Saralamma, Pagididda Raju and Govinda Raju as a family, not as a distant cosmic pantheon.
- It has no Vedic or Brahmanic influence, rooted entirely in animist and clan-based belief systems of the Koya community.
- Key Rituals: Devotees offer “bangaram” (jaggery equal to body weight), and take a sacred dip in Jampanna Vagu. The goddesses are symbolically brought from Chilakalagutta hill to the gadde (platform) once every two years, instead of devotees going to the hill to worship.
- Cultural Significance: The Jatara symbolises tribal memory, resistance and identity, reflecting Adivasi cosmology and kinship worship, and now draws non-tribal participation.

US Secondary Tariffs over Iran Trade
21-01-2026
Source: IE
The US President has announced to impose a 25% tariff on any nation trading with Iran, but expected to have minimal direct economic impact on India due to already diminished bilateral trade.
India–Iran Economic Relations
- Minimal Trade: India-Iran trade has declined sharply from nearly USD 15 billion pre-2020 to USD 1.6 billion in FY25, making Iran not among India’s top 50 trading partners and limiting direct tariff impact.
- Key Sectors Affected: Despite low volume, targeted Indian exports like cereals, tea, coffee, spices, animal fodder, and fruits & nuts could face strain.
- Chabahar Port Investment: Beyond trade, India has significant strategic investment in Iran’s Chabahar Port, a gateway to Afghanistan and Central Asia, involving a 10-year operations contract, USD 120 million grant, and a USD 250 million Line of Credit.
- Historical Context: India was a major importer of Iranian crude oil until US sanctions under the Trump administration in 2018 forced a halt, demonstrating prior vulnerability to US secondary sanctions.
- Global Implications: The proposed tariffs would primarily affect China, Iran's largest trading partner, which bought over 80% of Iran's shipped oil in 2025 and accounted for USD 22 billion in total Iranian exports in 2022. Iran's other major trade partners include the UAE, Türkiye, and the EU.
Bharat Taxi
20-12-2025
Source: ET
India is set to launch Bharat Taxi, the country’s first cooperative-run taxi service operated by Sahakar Taxi Cooperative Limited, in Delhi from 2027, offering a homegrown alternative to private cab aggregators like Uber and Rapido.
- Commission Model: Zero-commission model initially, with 100% ride payments going directly to drivers.
- A proposed ~20% cooperative fee, later to be redistributed to drivers as incentives, unlike profit extraction by private platforms.
- Collaboration: Bharat Taxi is a collaborative initiative of National e-Governance Division (NeGD), Digital India Corporation, Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology (MeitY), and Sahakar Taxi Cooperative Limited to build a national taxi platform integrated with DigiLocker, UMANG, and API Setu
- Pricing Policy: No surge pricing in normal conditions; dynamic pricing only in specific situations.
- Safety Features: The platform includes driver verification, integration with Delhi Police, along with real-time ride tracking, and 24×7 customer care.
Pamir-Karakoram Anomaly
20-12-2025
Source: TH
Scientists are analysing deep ice cores from the Kon-Chukurbashi ice cap in Tajikistan to scientifically explain the Pamir–Karakoram anomaly—where glaciers have remained stable or grown despite global warming.
Pamir-Karakoram Anomaly
- About: The Pamir–Karakoram anomaly refers to the unusual stability or slight growth of glaciers in the Karakoram and parts of the Pamir mountain ranges since the late 1900s, while glaciers in the Himalayas, Alps, Andes, and Rocky Mountains have been shrinking due to global warming.
- Proposed Causes:
- Increased winter precipitation: Heavier snowfall replenishes glaciers, offsetting summer melt.
- High, steep topography: Mountains shade ice and provide high-altitude accumulation zones.
- Climate patterns: Moisture from Western Disturbances, not the Indian Monsoon, dominates.
- Summer cloud cover: Potentially reduces solar radiation and melting.
- Protective debris cover: Insulates lower glacier ice from melt.
- Geographic Scope: Mainly the Karakoram Range (especially in Gilgit-Baltistan, parts of Ladakh). It extends into the western Pamir Mountains (Tajikistan, Afghanistan).
- Recent Findings: Scientific investigations, utilizing satellite altimetry (e.g., ICESat-2), and gravity data (GRACE), have revealed that this anomaly has weakened though field-based ice-core evidence is still being analysed.
- Significance for India: Glaciers in the Karakoram feed the Indus River and its tributaries, and their relative stability helps maintain more reliable river flows into Ladakh and Jammu & Kashmir.
Karakoram Ranges
- About: The Karakoram Range lies at the centre of Asia, forming part of a complex mountain system that includes the Hindu Kush to the west, the Pamirs to the northwest, the Kunlun Mountains to the northeast, and the Himalayas to the southeast.
- Geographic Spread: The range extends across Afghanistan, China, India, Pakistan, and Tajikistan.
- Highest Peak: The highest peak is K2 (8,611 meters, also known as Mount Godwin-Austen), which is the 2nd-highest mountain on Earth after Mount Everest (8,849 meters).
India-Russia RELOS Agreement
20-12-2025
Source: IE
India and Russia are set to operationalise the Reciprocal Exchange of Logistics Support (RELOS) agreement, a defence logistics arrangement that strengthens military cooperation by enabling reciprocal access to bases and logistical support, including in the Arctic and Indo-Pacific.
- India–Russia RELOS: It will come into force after the formal exchange of instruments of ratification between both countries.
- The RELOS agreement governs the movement of troops, warships, and military aircraft between India and Russia, enables mutual use of airspace, and allows port calls by naval vessels of both countries.
- It covers key logistical support such as refuelling, repairs, maintenance, and supplies, and applies during joint military exercises, training, and humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) operations, with scope for extension to other scenarios by mutual consent.
- Strategic Significance for India: Provides access to Russian air and naval bases, ranging from Vladivostok (Pacific Ocean) to Murmansk (Arctic region).
- Strengthens India’s Indo-Pacific strategy by enabling long-range deployments using Russia’s network of over 40 military bases.
- Enhances operational reach and endurance of Indian Navy and Air Force, especially for Russian-origin platforms and improves logistical readiness for distant operations.
- Strategic Significance for Russia: Grants Russian forces access to Indian ports and airfields, strengthening presence in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). Reinforces Russia’s role in a multipolar global order.
- RELOS Like Pacts with US: RELOS is similar to existing agreements, LEMOA (Logistics Exchange Memorandum of Agreement), COMCASA (Communications Compatibility and Security Agreement), and BECA (Basic Exchange and Cooperation Agreement) with the US. However, it has been tailored to the India-Russia dynamic.
Birth Anniversary of Rani Lakshmibai
20-11-2025
Source: PIB
The Prime Minister of India has paid tributes to Rani Lakshmibai on her birth anniversary.
- Rani Lakshmibai: Also known as Manikarnika, she was the queen of the Maratha-ruled state of Jhansi and a leading figure of the Revolt of 1857.
- She is remembered as a symbol of bravery and resistance against British rule.
- Early Life: Born on 19th November 1828 in Varanasi as Manikarnika, she grew up learning horse riding, shooting and fencing.
- Her childhood companions included Nana Sahib and Tatya Tope, who later became key leaders in the 1857 uprising.
- Manikarnika as Rani of Jhansi: At 14, Manikarnika married Maharaja Gangadhar Rao and became Rani Lakshmibai.
- After losing her infant son, she and the Maharaja adopted Damodar Rao from the royal family to secure the succession.
- Role in the Struggle for Independence: After the Maharaja’s death in 1853, the British rejected Damodar Rao’s claim using the Doctrine of Lapse, which allowed annexation if a ruler died without a natural male heir.
- Rani Lakshmibai resisted fiercely, leading her troops in the 1857 revolt. She died in battle on 17th June 1858.
- Legacy: The Indian National Army, founded by Subhas Chandra Bose, established a women's regiment named after the Queen of Jhansi to honor the contributions of women in the freedom struggle.

Auroras, Solar Flares, CMEs & Solar Storms
20-11-2025
Source: IE
Why in News?
Recent Solar storms and coronal mass ejections (CMEs) during the heightened Solar Cycle produced colourful lights in the Northern Hemisphere, visible far from the Arctic region.
What are Solar Cycle, Solar Flares, Coronal Mass Ejections (CMEs) and Solar Storms?
- Solar Cycle: The solar cycle is an approximately 11-year cycle of the Sun’s magnetic field, during which its magnetic activity rises and falls. The Sun undergoes a complete magnetic polarity flip every cycle, with its north and south poles switching places.
- This cycle influences solar surface activity, including sunspots (small, dark, and cooler areas on the sun surface), solar flares, and CMEs.
- The cycle is monitored by counting sunspots, starting with a solar minimum when activity is lowest and reaching a solar maximum when solar activity is at its peak.
- Solar Flares: The magnetic field lines around sunspots often become tangled, cross, and realign, triggering powerful bursts of energy called solar flares. These flares release intense radiation into space, and strong flares can disrupt radio communications on Earth as well as pose risks to satellites and astronauts.
- Coronal Mass Ejections (CMEs): Solar flares are often accompanied by CMEs, which are massive expulsions of plasma and magnetic field from the Sun’s outermost layer - corona. CMEs are propelled into space at high speeds when the Sun’s magnetic field lines rapidly reorganize.
- Solar Storms: Solar storms (geomagnetic storms) occur when a large-scale magnetic eruption, often accompanied by a CME and solar flare, accelerates charged particles in the Sun’s atmosphere to high speeds.
- When a CME reaches Earth, it interacts with the magnetosphere, compressing and agitating it, and allowing energetic solar wind particles to enter the atmosphere near the poles.
- The Earth’s magnetosphere, generated by its magnetic fields, normally shields moons from these solar particles.

What are Auroras?
- About: An aurora is a captivating natural light display seen in the night sky, featuring shifting colours like blue, red, yellow, green, and orange. The green-yellow auroras are the most common, caused by ions colliding with oxygen atoms at lower altitudes.
- Formation of Auroras: Auroras occur when charged particles from the Sun, carried by the solar wind, reach Earth.
- Earth’s magnetic field directs these particles toward the poles, where they collide with gases like oxygen and nitrogen in the upper atmosphere.
- These collisions cause the gases to become excited and release light, which forms the colorful displays we see as auroras.
- The specific colors depend on the type of gas and the altitude of the collisions.
- Geographical Spread: Auroras are typically observed near the Arctic and Antarctic Circles (around 66.5° north and south). It is of two types:
- Aurora Borealis: The northern lights, called aurora borealis, occur near the North Pole and are typically visible in Norway, Sweden, Finland, Canada, and Alaska.
- Aurora Australis: The southern lights, called aurora australis, occur near the South Pole and are visible in Antarctica, southern Australia, New Zealand, and Chile.
- Prediction: The Kp-index (Planetary K-index) is a global 0–9 scale measuring disturbances in Earth’s magnetic field from the solar wind, indicating geomagnetic storm strength.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is a Solar Cycle?
A solar cycle is an 11-year cycle of the Sun’s magnetic activity, marked by fluctuating sunspots, solar flares, and CMEs, with magnetic poles swapping every cycle.
2. What are Coronal Mass Ejections (CMEs)?
CMEs are massive bursts of charged particles from the Sun, often accompanying solar flares, and can trigger geomagnetic storms on Earth.
3. How do Auroras form?
Auroras form when solar wind ions collide with oxygen and nitrogen in the ionosphere, producing colourful lights near the geomagnetic poles.
4. What are the impacts of Solar Storms on Earth?
Solar storms can affect power grids, satellites, radio communications, and air traffic, while also producing spectacular auroras visible far from the poles.
UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Question (PYQ)
Prelims
Q. If a major solar storm (solar flare) reaches the Earth, which of the following are the possible effects on the Earth? (2022)
- GPS and navigation systems could fail.
- Tsunamis could occur at equatorial regions.
- Power grids could be damaged.
- Intense auroras could occur over much of the Earth.
- Forest fires could take place over much of the planet.
- Orbits of the satellites could be disturbed.
- Shortwave radio communication of the aircraft flying over polar regions could be interrupted.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) 1, 2, 4 and 5 only
(b) 2, 3, 5, 6 and 7 only
(c) 1, 3, 4, 6 and 7 only
(d) 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7
Ans: (c)
Q. Electrically charged particles from space travelling at speeds of several hundred km/sec can severely harm living beings if they reach the surface of the Earth. What prevents them from reaching the surface of the Earth? (2012)
(a) The Earth's magnetic field diverts them towards its poles
(b) Ozone layer around the Earth reflects them back to outer space.
(c) Moisture in the upper layers of atmosphere prevents them from reaching the surface of the Earth
(d) None of the statements (a), (b) and (c) given above is correct
Ans: (a)
Mains
Q. What are aurora australis and aurora borealis? How are these triggered? (2024)
India Adds 7 Natural Sites to UNESCO Tentative List
20-09-2025
Source: DD
Why in News?
India has added seven natural sites to UNESCO’s Tentative List of World Heritage Sites (WHS), taking its total to 69 (49 cultural, 17 natural, and 3 mixed properties). This highlights the country’s commitment to preserving its rich natural and cultural heritage.
What is UNESCO’s Tentative List of World Heritage Sites?
- About: It is the first step toward UNESCO World Heritage nomination. Countries identify cultural or natural sites of outstanding universal value and submit them to UNESCO at least a year before nomination.
- India’s Newly Added Sites:
- Deccan Traps at Panchgani and Mahabaleshwar, Maharashtra :Home to some of the best-preserved and studied lava flows in the world, these sites form part of the massive Deccan Traps and are located within the Koyna Wildlife Sanctuary (already a UNESCO World Heritage Site).
- Geological Heritage of St. Mary’s Island Cluster, Karnataka: Known for its rare columnar basaltic rock formations, this island cluster dates back to the Late Cretaceous period (101 to 66 million years ago).
- Meghalayan Age Caves, Meghalaya: The stunning cave systems of Meghalaya, particularly the Mawmluh Cave, serve as the global reference point for the Meghalayan Age in the Holocene Epoch (last 11,000 years of the Earth's history till date), reflecting significant climate and geological transitions.
- Naga Hill Ophiolite, Nagaland: A rare exposure to ophiolite rocks of , these hills represent oceanic crust uplifted onto continental plates (offering deep insights into tectonic processes and mid-ocean ridge dynamics).
- Erra Matti Dibbalu (Red Sand Hills), Andhra Pradesh: Red sand formations near Visakhapatnam showcase unique paleo-climatic and coastal geomorphological features that reveal Earth’s climatic history and dynamic evolution.
- Erra Matti Dibbalu was declared a GeoHeritage Monument by Geological Survey of India (GSI) in 2016.
- Natural Heritage of Tirumala Hills, Andhra Pradesh: Featuring the Eparchaean Unconformity and the iconic Silathoranam (Natural Arch), this site holds immense geological significance, representing over 1.5 billion years of Earth’s history.
- They are part of Seshachalam Biosphere Reserve and Venkateswara National Park.
- Varkala Cliffs, Kerala: Cliff along Kerala’s coastline expose the Warkalli Formation of the Mio-Pliocene age, along with natural springs and striking erosional landforms, offering both scientific and touristic value.
World Heritage Sites
- WHS are places of outstanding universal value, recognized for protection and preservation for future generations. They can be cultural, natural, or mixed and are safeguarded under the 1972 World Heritage Convention, adopted by UNESCO member countries.
- The UNESCO World Heritage Committee maintains the list through the World Heritage Programme. India ratified the Convention in 1977.
- WHS in India: As of September 2025, India has 44 World Heritage Sites recognized by UNESCO, with the Maratha Military Landscapes of India being inscribed as the 44th site.

UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Questions (PYQs)
Prelims
Q. Consider the following properties included in the World Heritage List released by UNESCO: ( 2024)
- Shantiniketan
- Rani-ki-Vav
- Sacred Ensembles of the Hoysalas
- Mahabodhi Temple Complex at Bodhgaya
How many of the above properties were included in 2023?
(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) Only three
(d) All four
Ans: (b)
Mains:
Q.1 Safeguarding the Indian Art Heritage is the need of the moment. Discuss. (2018)
Q.2 Indian Philosophy and tradition played a significant role in conceiving and shaping the monuments and their art in India. Discuss. (2020)

Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF)
20-08-2025
Source: IE
Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) will start commercial Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) production from used cooking oil at its Panipat refinery after ISCC CORSIA (International Sustainability & Carbon Certification for CORSIA) certification, marking India’s first SAF plant and a key step in reducing aviation emissions.
Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF)
- About: SAF is a biofuel produced from sustainable feedstocks, chemically similar to conventional Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF), and can be used in existing aircraft engines and infrastructure without modifications (‘drop-in’ fuel).
- Possible Feedstocks for SAF: Oils & fats (Used Cooking Oil, algae oils, animal fats, oil-rich seeds), municipal solid waste, agricultural/forestry residues (sugarcane bagasse, husks etc), and sugars & starches via Alcohol-to-Jet (ATJ) pathway.
- The ATJ pathway converts renewable alcohols (ethanol, butanol) from sugars, starches, or residues into hydrocarbon-based SAF.
- Significance: SAF reduces GHG emissions by up to 80%, contributes over 60% to aviation decarbonisation, boosts energy security, creates green jobs, and supports up to 50% fuel blends.
- Challenges in SAF Adoption: SAF faces high costs (2-3 times conventional fuel), infrastructure gaps, and challenges in feedstock collection due to seasonal and scattered supply.
ISCC CORSIA Certification
- ISCC CORSIA ensures compliance with ICAO’s Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA).
- From 2027 (mandatory phase), international airlines must offset emissions above 2020 levels, with SAF blending being a key compliance route.
- CORSIA is a global ICAO initiative to limit international aviation CO₂ emissions growth by stabilizing net emissions at 2020 levels through carbon offsetting, credits, and SAF.
India’s Roadmap
- NBCC (National Biofuel Coordination Committee) targets 1% SAF blending in 2027 and 2% in 2028 for international flights, with domestic mandate post-2027.
- This supports Net Zero 2070, gives a first-mover advantage, promotes a circular economy (UCO recycling), and opens export opportunities to European airlines.
Valley of Flowers National Park
20-01-2026
Source: TH
Uttarakhand has sought the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) help to douse a forest fire raging in the Valley of Flowers National Park.
Valley of Flowers National Park
- About: Situated in the Western Himalayas in Chamoli, Uttarakhand, it is a National Park (declared in 1982) and a UNESCO World Heritage Site (inscribed in 2005). It forms one of the two core zones of the Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve. Pushpawati River flows through it.
- Discovery & Recognition: Introduced globally after its 1931 discovery by British mountaineer Frank S. Smythe. Gained further fame through his 1938 book Valley of Flowers.
- Ecological Uniqueness: It features a pristine alpine ecosystem (3000 and 5000 m in the western Himalayas) preserved by natural glacial barriers. It lies in a transition zone between the Zanskar and Greater Himalayan ranges. It is renowned for its alpine meadows, rare flora, and diverse fauna.
- Biodiversity:
- Flora: It is famed for over 500 species of endemic and alpine flowers. Key species include the Brahma Kamal (state flower of Uttarakhand), blue Himalayan poppy, and numerous medicinal plants.
- Fauna: Hosts rare and endangered fauna such as the snow leopard, Asiatic black bear, musk deer, brown bear, and the Himalayan monal bird.
- Cultural Significance: It is associated with the Bhotia tribe. They practice transhumance, a form of seasonal migration between high-altitude summer pastures (known locally as Bugyals) and lower-altitude winter settlements.

Polar Silk Road
20-01-2026
Source: DC
Recent US remarks on Greenland have revived debate on China’s Arctic ambitions, though expert assessments indicate China’s direct military presence in the region remains limited.
Polar Silk Road Initiative
- About: It is an extension of China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) into the Arctic, aiming to develop shipping routes, access resources, and enhance its geopolitical influence by capitalizing on climate change-driven melting arctic ice.
- BRI is a global infrastructure and connectivity programme launched by China in 2013, aiming to build roads, railways, ports, energy pipelines, and digital links across Asia, Europe, and Africa to boost trade and investment.
- Origin & Objective: It was jointly announced by China and Russia in 2017. China's 2018 Arctic Policy labelled China a “near-Arctic state” and promoted cooperation on Arctic shipping, resources, and science.
- China's 2030 goal is to be a “polar great power”, recognizing the Arctic's rising strategic and economic value.
- Routes: The PSR primarily focuses on the Northern Sea Route along Russia’s Arctic coast, offering significantly shorter Asia–Europe distance (upto 40%), with the Northwest Passage (along Canada's coast) as a secondary option.
- Strategic Rationale: China aims to enhance energy security, reduce dependency on traditional chokepoints like the Suez Canal, and expand geopolitical influence through partnerships, notably with Russia.

Employment and Social Trends 2026 Report
20-01-2026
Source: TH
Why in News?
The International Labour Organization (ILO) has released the Employment and Social Trends 2026 report, estimating the global unemployment rate at 4.9% in 2025.
What are the Key Highlights of the Employment and Social Trends 2026 Report?
- Stalled Progress on Employment Quality: Improvement has slowed over two decades. Between 2015–2025, the decline in extreme working poverty was only 3.1 percentage points (to 7.9% or 284 million workers), far less than the previous decade's 15-point drop. In low-income countries, 68% of workers lived in extreme or moderate poverty in 2025.
- Extreme working poverty refers to the situation in which employed persons live in households with a per capita income or consumption level below the international extreme poverty line (less than USD 3 a day).
- Rising Informality: The global informality rate increased by 0.3 percentage points (2015–2025), with 2.1 billion workers projected to be informally employed by 2026.
- Slowed Structural Transformation: The pace of workers moving across economic sectors has halved globally over the last two decades. This slowing transition to formal, productive sectors is a major driver of weak job quality and productivity growth.
- Uneven Unemployment & Employment Growth: The global unemployment rate remained at 4.9% in 2025 (forecast 186 million unemployed in 2026), with a jobs gap of 408 million. Employment growth is uneven, i.e., declining in high-income countries (2026), slow in upper-middle-income countries (0.5%), but faster in low-income countries (3.1%).
- Persistent Gender and Youth Gaps: Women represent only two-fifths of global employment, with a 24.2 percentage point lower labour force participation than men. The global youth unemployment rate rose to 12.4% in 2025, with 257 million young people as NEET (Not in Employment, Education, or Training).
- Insufficient Productivity & Labour Income Growth: Labour productivity growth remains low, especially in low-income countries. The global labour income share (52.6% in 2025) is below its 2019 level, showing real wage growth lags productivity growth.
- Emerging Risks from AI and Trade: AI adoption poses a heightened risk to educated youth in high-skilled entry-level jobs. Trade policy uncertainty threatens real wages and job creation, particularly in regions like South-Eastern Asia and Europe.
- Uneven Benefits from Trade: While 465 million jobs depended on foreign demand in 2024, low-income countries are largely excluded from trade and investment flows, limiting their access to better-quality, trade-linked jobs.
What are the Findings Related to India?
- Economic Growth: India is expected to be among the highest growth economies in the Asia-Pacific region, sustaining elevated GDP growth for Southern Asia.
- Manufacturing Share: India's share of global manufacturing (in current US dollar terms) is reported at 3%, which is significantly lower than China's 27% and the United States' 17%.
- Renewable Energy Strategy & Employment: India has developed a large-scale renewable energy capacity. India is noted as making significant headway in increasing the number of renewable energy jobs, alongside Japan and the Republic of Korea.
- Green Talent Gap: In India and the wider Asia-Pacific region, the demand for green talent is far outstripping the available supply.
International Labour Organization (ILO)
- About: ILO is a specialized agency of the United Nations dedicated to advancing social and economic justice through the promotion of internationally recognized human and labour rights.
- Foundation & Mandate: Established in 1919 under the Treaty of Versailles post-World War I. It became the UN's first specialized agency in 1946 and won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1969.
- Objective: Formulation of international policies to promote fundamental human and labour rights, better working conditions, and employment opportunities.
- Unique Tripartite Structure: The ILO uniquely brings together representatives from 187 member states' governments, employers' organizations, and workers' organizations (trade unions), ensuring policies reflect all social partners.
- Principal Governance Bodies:
- International Labour Conference: The annual highest decision-making body.
- Governing Body: The executive council that sets policy and budget.
- International Labour Office: The permanent secretariat in Geneva, led by the Director-General.
- Key Reports: Employment and Social Trends, World Employment and Social Outlook, Global Wage Report, World Social Protection Report, and Social Dialogue Report.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the global unemployment rate for 2025 according to ILO?
The ILO Employment and Social Trends 2026 report estimates the global unemployment rate at 4.9% in 2025.
2. According to the report, what are the major risks to future employment?
The major emerging risks are AI adoption, which threatens high-skilled entry-level jobs for youth, and trade policy uncertainty, which threatens real wages and job creation.
3. How does India's performance compare in the report's findings?
India is a high-growth economy but has a relatively low share (3%) in global manufacturing.
UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Questions (PYQs)
Q. International Labour Organization’s Conventions 138 and 182 are related to (2018)
(a) Child Labour
(b) Adaptation of agricultural practices to global climate change
(c) Regulation of food prices and food security
(d) Gender parity at the workplace
Ans: (a)
Q. Disguised unemployment generally means (2013)
(a) large number of people remain unemployed
(b) alternative employment is not available
(c) marginal productivity of labour is zero
(d) productivity of workers is low
Ans: (c)
India–Germany Joint Declaration of Intent(JDI)
20-01-2026
Source: PIB
Recently, India and Germany signed a Joint Declaration of Intent (JDI) on Telecommunications Cooperation during the visit of the German Chancellor to India, strengthening collaboration in digital technologies and IT sectors.
Joint Declaration on Telecommunications
- It establishes a structured framework for bilateral cooperation in telecommunications and Information & Communication Technologies (ICTs).
- The Declaration emphasises collaboration in emerging and future digital technologies, exchange of best practices on policy and regulatory frameworks, promotion of manufacturing and ease of doing business, and facilitation of innovation through engagement of government, industry, academia and research institutions.
- To ensure effective and outcome-oriented cooperation, the Declaration provides for regular consultations, annual high-level meetings, and the creation of dedicated working groups, supported by the development of a joint work plan to align shared priorities.
- The Indo-German Digital Dialogue Work Plan (2026–27) has been finalised, covering cooperation in AI, data governance, telecommunications and Industry 4.0.
- Both sides have also agreed to coordinate in relevant international fora to promote common understanding and advance shared perspectives on telecommunications governance and digital development, thereby strengthening multilateral cooperation.
AH-64E Apache Induction Strengthens India-US Defence Cooperation
19-12-2025
Source: TH
The Indian Army has received the final batch of three AH-64E Apache Attack helicopters, completing its six-helicopter fleet under the 451 Army Aviation Squadron, based in Jodhpur, Rajasthan.
- This marks the full operationalisation of the Army’s first dedicated Apache squadron. The helicopters were procured under a $600 million deal (February 2020) with the United States.
- About AH-64E Apache: Regarded as one of the most advanced multi-role attack helicopters in the world, it is equipped with cutting-edge avionics and sensor suites, precision-guided weapons, and robust network-centric warfare capabilities.
- Designed for high operational flexibility, it can conduct missions seamlessly during day and night, in all-weather conditions, and across diverse terrains ranging from deserts to high-altitude mountainous regions.
- The deployment of Apache helicopters along the western front facing Pakistan will significantly enhance precision strike, anti-armour warfare, and close air support capabilities, while reinforcing India’s deterrence posture in a highly conflict-prone sector..
- Key Aspects of India–US Defence Cooperation: India and the US signed a new 10-year Defence Framework Agreement in October, 2025, aiming to boost cooperation in military exercises, tech, industrial collaboration.
- The relationship is anchored by the "Major Defence Partner" status and the signing of foundational agreements like:
- LEMOA – Logistics Exchange Memorandum of Agreement: Enables mutual access to military bases for logistics support such as fuel, repair, and supplies.
- COMCASA – Communications Compatibility and Security Agreement: Allows secure, encrypted communication systems and real-time information sharing between Indian and US forces.
- BECA – Basic Exchange and Cooperation Agreement: Facilitates sharing of high-end geospatial, satellite, and mapping data for improved military navigation and targeting.
- Under the iCET (Initiative on Critical and Emerging Technology) and INDUS-X, both nations are fast-tracking projects like the co-production of GE F414 jet engines in India and the procurement of MQ-9B Predator drones.
ICG Ship Sarthak at Chabahar Port
19-12-2025
Source: TH
The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) offshore patrol vessel ICGS Sarthak made its 1st-ever port call at Iran's Chabahar Port, aiming to bolster maritime security and regional cooperation.
- A port call refers to the period during which a vessel (ship) arrives at, stays in, and departs from a port.
- Strategic Significance: The visit leverages Chabahar's role as India's direct maritime gateway to Iran, Afghanistan, and Central Asia, reinforcing secure supply lines and aligned with India’s SAGAR and MAHASAGAR vision.
- Environmental Outreach: Activities incorporate a beach walkathon and sports fixtures that align with India’s Puneet Sagar Abhiyan.
- Puneet Sagar Abhiyan (2021) is an environmental campaign launched by the National Cadet Corps (NCC) to clean seashores, beaches, rivers, lakes, and other water bodies of plastic and other waste materials.
Chabahar Port
- About: Chabahar Port is a deep-water port in Iran's Sistan-Baluchistan province, located on the Gulf of Oman outside the Strait of Hormuz.
- It is Iran's only deep-sea port with direct ocean access that provides India with a direct maritime gateway to Iran, Afghanistan and Central Asia.
- Development: It was developed under the 2016 Chabahar Agreement between India, Iran, and Afghanistan and is a part of the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC).
- Chabahar has two terminals, i.e., Shahid Beheshti and Shahid Kalantari. India developed and actively operates the Shahid Beheshti terminal.
- Management: Since December 2018, port operations have been managed by India Ports Global Limited (IPGL) through its subsidiary, India Ports Global Chabahar Free Zone (IPGCFZ).

Exercise Desert Cyclone II
19-12-2025
Source: TH
An Indian military contingent has departed for Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (UAE) to participate in the second edition of the India–UAE Joint Military Exercise “Desert Cyclone II.”
India–UAE Defence Cooperation
- Exercises:
- Exercise Desert Cyclone: It is the first bilateral Army exercise between India and the UAE, initially held in January 2024, and focuses on joint urban warfare training for sub-conventional operations under a United Nations mandate, supporting peacekeeping, counter-terrorism, and stability missions.
- Exercise Gulf Waves (Navy): Bilateral maritime exercise between the Indian Navy and UAE Navy, earlier known as Exercise Zayed Talwar.
- Exercise Milan (Navy – Multilateral): UAE participated as an Observer in Exercise Milan 2024, hosted by India.
- Exercise Desert Flag (Air Force – Multilateral): The Indian Air Force regularly participates in this multinational air combat exercise hosted by the UAE.
- Exercise Tarang Shakti (Air Force – Multilateral): UAE participated in the inaugural edition in 2024, hosted by India.
- Defence Exhibitions: Mutual participation in major defence expos such as IDEX, NAVDEX, Dubai Air Show (UAE) and Aero India, DefExpo (India) highlights cooperation in defence manufacturing and technology.
- Strategic Significance: Defence ties form a key pillar of the India–UAE Comprehensive Strategic Partnership supporting regional security, interoperability, and indigenous defence manufacturing.

SC Calls for Stronger Tiger Conservation Measures
19-11-2025
Source:TH
The Supreme Court of India has directed Uttarakhand to fully restore the Corbett Tiger Reserve after findings of illegal tree-felling and construction, and issued reforms for tiger conservation and management across all States.
- Uttarakhand must restore Corbett, submit a restoration plan within 2 months, demolish illegal structures within 3 months, and file a compliance report within 1 year.
- SC Directive to States:
- SC has ordered all States to notify the core and buffer areas of every tiger reserve within six months, and to declare Eco-Sensitive Zones (ESZs) around these reserves within one year.
- To prepare a Tiger Conservation Plan within three months and directed to ban tiger safaris in core and critical tiger habitats.
- To treat human–wildlife conflict as a potential natural disaster and ensure stronger compensation systems, including an ex-gratia payment of Rs 10 lakh to victims under the Centrally Sponsored Integrated Development of Wildlife Habitats scheme.
Corbett Tiger Reserve
- About: Corbett Tiger Reserve is Asia’s first national park established in 1936, renowned for its biodiversity including the world's highest density of tigers.
- It was established as Hailey National Park and later renamed in 1956 to honour Jim Corbett, the hunter-turned-conservationist who helped create it.
- It became the first national park to be included under Project Tiger in 1973.
- Location: Corbett lies in the Himalayan foothills of Uttarakhand. It has an undulating landscape with several valleys through which the Ramganga, Pallaen, and Sonanadi rivers flow.
- The reserve falls largely in the Bhabar and lower Shivalik region, known for its porous soil and deep water table.
- Flora & Fauna: Corbett’s vegetation includes moist and dry deciduous forests dominated by sal, mixed woodland, riparian vegetation, and shrub species.
- The reserve is known for its open grasslands, called chaurs, formed from old settlements and clearings. Important chaurs such as Dhikala and Bijrani support rich wildlife.
- Tigers and elephants are the flagship species, accompanied by leopards, smaller carnivores, sambar, hog deer, spotted deer, and a variety of birds and reptiles such as gharials and crocodiles.

UNSC Approves Trump's Plan for Gaza
19-11-2025
Source: TH
The UN Security Council (UNSC) adopted Resolution 2803, endorsing the Trump Gaza Peace Plan and authorizing the establishment of an International Stabilization Force (ISF) in Gaza.
- The resolution passed with 13 votes in favor and none against, although China and Russia abstained.
- Trump Gaza Plan: The Plan, announced in September 2025, aims to transform Gaza from a conflict zone to a peaceful region. It outlines a phased approach:
- Phase 1: Ceasefire, hostages' release, and partial Israeli troop withdrawal.
- Subsequent Phases: Demilitarization, transitional governance, and reconstruction, with the goal of creating a "deradicalized, terror-free zone."
- BoP & International Stabilization Force (ISF): A Board of Peace (BoP), chaired by President Trump, will oversee Gaza’s transition, reconstruction, and governance reforms until December 2027, after which control will transfer to a reformed Palestinian Authority.
- The BoP is authorized to establish the International Stabilization Force (ISF), responsible for securing Gaza’s borders, supporting demilitarization, protecting civilians, and facilitating humanitarian aid.

India Re-Elected to Codex Executive Committee
19-11-2025
Souce:PIB
India was unanimously re-elected to the Executive Committee of the Codex Alimentarius Commission (CCEXEC) at 48th session of the Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC48) securing its seat for Asia until CAC50 in 2027, strengthening its role in setting global food safety and quality standards.
- Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC): It was created in 1963 by Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and World Health Organization (WHO), sets global food safety and quality standards to protect consumers and ensure fair food trade. It has 189 members, and India joined in 1964.
- CAC is the body responsible for all matters regarding the implementation of the Joint FAO/WHO Food Standards Programme.
- CCEXEC oversees the management of the CAC, guides strategic planning, and manages standards development.
- India is a member of CCEXEC in its capacity as the Regional Coordinator for Asia (CCASIA).
- Codex Alimentarius: The Codex Alimentarius, or "Food Code", adopted by CAC is a collection of international standards, guidelines, and codes covering food hygiene, additives, pesticide residues, contaminants, labelling, and inspection.
- India and CAC: India has been chairing the Codex Committee on Spices and Culinary Herbs (CCSCH) since its inception in 2014, with the Spices Board of India serving as the secretariat.
- India actively engaged in discussions around the Codex Strategic Plan 2026–2031, advocating for SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) Key Performance Indicators.
Swachhata Hi Seva 2025
19-09-2025
Source: PIB
The Government of India launched the Swachhata Hi Seva (SHS) 2025 campaign, conducting cleanliness drives nationwide.
- Swachhata Hi Seva (SHS) 2025 continues the momentum of the Swachh Bharat Mission (2014), reinforcing India’s commitment to sanitation and hygiene.
- SHS 2025 theme, “Swachhotsav”, blends the spirit of festive celebrations with the responsibility of cleanliness.
- The campaign focuses on voluntarism, collective action, and public participation, promoting the three R’s – Reduce, Reuse, Recycle to engage citizens in maintaining clean surroundings.
Swachh Bharat Mission(SBM)
- Launch & Objective: SBM (Grameen) and SBM (Urban) were launched in 2014 to eliminate open defecation and improve sanitation in rural and urban India.
- SBM-Grameen:
- Phase I (2014-2019): Achieved 100% sanitation coverage, over 10 crore household toilets, and declared all villages ODF.
- Phase II (2020-2025/26): Focuses on sustaining ODF, solid and liquid waste management, and transforming villages to ODF Plus Model.
- SBM-Urban (SBM-U):
- Phase I (2014-2021): Targeted ODF cities and 100% scientific management of municipal solid waste across 4,041 statutory towns.
- Phase II / SBM-U 2.0 (2021-2026): Aims for “Garbage Free” cities, institutionalizing Swachh behavior, and contributing to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 2030.
- Impact: SBM has significantly improved sanitation, hygiene, and waste management infrastructure, contributing to public health, quality of life, and urban-rural transformation.
India-AI Impact Summit 2026
19-09-2025
Source: PIB
The Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology (MeitY) has revealed the official logo and key flagship initiatives for the India-AI Impact Summit February 2026. This event marks a historic occasion as it is the first time a Global South nation will host the summit.
- Flagship Initiatives: AI Pitch Fest (UDAAN) (showcasing Tier 2 & 3 AI startups), Global Innovation Challenges (promoting AI solutions for public issues), and AI Expo.
- Official Logo: The logo features the Ashoka Chakra, symbolizing ethical governance and constitutional values, with neural network flares representing AI’s transformative impact across languages, industries, and geographies.
India-AI Impact Summit 2026
- Hosted by MeitY, it will be held in February 2026 in New Delhi.
- Summit Sutras: Guided by the principles or Sutras of People, Planet, and Progress.
- People: AI must serve all humans inclusively, respecting culture and ensuring accessibility.
- Planet: AI should be resource-efficient, eco-friendly, and aligned with sustainability goals.
- Progress: AI benefits must be equitable, with open access to data, compute, and applications in key sectors.
- Seven Chakras: Sutras are implemented via seven Chakras, focusing on multilateral cooperation to achieve tangible AI outcomes.

- MeitY also launched eight indigenous AI foundational model projects targeting multilingual, healthcare, scientific, industrial, governance, and agricultural applications.

Golden Dome Missile Defense System
19-08-2025
Source: DD
The US has finalized the design of the Golden Dome missile defense system.
Golden Dome Missile Defense System
- About: It is an advanced multilayered missile defense system with space-based sensors and interceptors to protect the US from foreign missile attacks.
- It is designed to counter hypersonic, ballistic, cruise missiles, and drones globally through satellite-based sensors.
- It is inspired by Israel's Iron Dome and former US President Reagan’s 1983 Strategic Defense Initiative (Star Wars Programme).
- It will integrate components from existing US missile defense systems, including Patriot batteries, THAAD, Aegis BMD, and Ground-based Midcourse Defense (GMD).
- Functioning: Using a network of hundreds of satellites, it targets missiles in the boost phase, immediately after launch, intercepting them before or shortly after they enter space.
Global Missile Defence Systems
|
System
|
Range (km)
|
Features
|
|
Iron Dome (Israel)
|
70
|
Intercepts rockets and drones targeting populated areas; radar-based detection
|
|
S-400 Triumph (Russia)
|
400
|
Multi-missile system; engages stealth aircraft, cruise missiles, and multiple targets
|
|
Barak-8 (Israel/India)
|
70–100
|
Land and naval system; 360° protection against aircraft, missiles, and UAVs
|
|
HQ-9 (China)
|
125
|
Inspired by S-300; intercepts UAVs, aircraft, ballistic and cruise missiles
|

Dibru-Saikhowa National Park
19-08-2025
Source: TH
Dibru-Saikhowa National Park (DSNP) in Assam is witnessing significant ecological changes due to native and invasive plant species.
Major Threats:
- Invasive Plants: Species like Chromolaena odorata, Ageratum conyzoides, Parthenium hysterophorus, and Mikania micrantha outcompete native flora, degrade grasslands, and threaten grassland-dependent fauna.
- Native Grassland Invaders: Bombax ceiba (Simalu) and Lagerstroemia speciosa (Ajar) alter natural vegetation, increasing shrubland and degraded forest cover.
- Flooding and Anthropogenic Pressures: Recurring Brahmaputra floods, forest villages, grazing, and resource extraction causing soil erosion, fragment habitats, and accelerating biodiversity loss.
- Land Use & Land Cover Changes (2000–2024): Conversion of Grasslands and semi-evergreen forests to shrubland and degraded forests reducing habitat for endemic and grassland-dependent species like Bengal florican, Hog deer, and Swamp grass babbler, and threatening endemic feral horses (around 200 individuals left).
Dibru-Saikhowa National Park (DSNP)
- Location: Located in Assam, is bounded by the Brahmaputra and Lohit Rivers(north) and Dibru River (south).
- Biosphere Reserve: In 1997, UNESCO designated the area as a Biosphere Reserve.
- Vegetation & Climate: Semi-evergreen, deciduous, littoral, swamp, and wet evergreen forests, including the largest Salix swamp forest in northeast India.
- It has a tropical monsoon climate with hot, wet summers and cool, dry winters.
- Flora & Fauna: Flora: Dillenia indica, Bischofia javanica, Bombax ceiba, Lagerstroemia parviflora.
- Fauna: tiger, elephant, leopard, jungle cat, bears, small Indian civet, squirrels, Gangetic dolphin, slow loris, Assamese macaque.
- It is an important Bird Area (IBA) with 382+ bird species, including greater and lesser adjutant storks, greater crested grebe.
Note:
- Assam has 7 national parks:

US Lists ‘The Resistance Front’ as Global Terrorist Organization
19-07-2025
Source: TH
Why in News?
India welcomed the US decision to officially designate The Resistance Front (TRF) as a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO) and a Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT) group.
Note: After the Pahalgam attack, India launched a diplomatic push urging global action against TRF.
What is the ‘The Resistance Front’ (TRF)?
- About: TRF is a Pakistan-based designated terrorist group, active in Jammu and Kashmir. It emerged in 2019 after the abrogation of Article 370.
- Creation of TRF: TRF was formed after LeT's leadership was decimated, to revive militancy in Kashmir under a new, local-seeming banner.
- TRF was created to give militancy in Kashmir an “indigenous” look and to avoid international scrutiny, especially from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), which had greylisted Pakistan.
- Modus Operandi of TRF: TRF began as a social media-based group and evolved into a militant outfit with a strong online presence.
- TRF avoids fidayeen (suicide) attacks, unlike its parent group LeT.
- India’s and TRF: In 2023, the Ministry of Home Affairs declared the TRF a terrorist organisation under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967, for its involvement in terror propaganda, recruitment, infiltration, and smuggling of arms and narcotics from Pakistan into Jammu and Kashmir.
Lashkar-e-Taiba
- Origins: Formed in the early 1990s as the military wing of Markaz-ud-Dawa-wal-Irshad, originally created to oppose Soviet forces in Afghanistan. It is one of the largest and most active Kashmir-focused militant groups.
- Major Attack: LeT was involved in the 2008 Mumbai attacks and is also linked to the 2006 Mumbai train bombings and the 2010 Pune German Bakery blast.
- Global Designation: Recognized as a terrorist group by the US and UN. Banned in Pakistan in 2002.
- Front Organizations: Uses Jamaat-ud-Dawa (JuD) and Falah-i-Insaniyat Foundation (FiF) for charity and recruitment. Both are now designated as aliases for LeT.
- Operations Base: Maintains training camps, schools, and clinics in Pakistan.
- Tactics: Uses both militant operations and charity work to maintain support and cover.
Note: UAPA 1967 designates terrorist organizations or individuals, criminalizes terrorist activities, and empowers authorities for investigation and prosecution.
- Under the UAPA 1967, 45 organisations are listed as terrorist groups and 23 as unlawful associations. The 2019 amendment allows individuals to be declared terrorists, helping prevent regrouping under new names.
- National Investigation Agency (NIA) Act, 2008 establishes a central agency for investigating and prosecuting terror-related offenses.
Prominent India-Centric Terror Organizations in Pakistan
|
Name
|
About
|
Status in India as per the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967
|
|
Jaish-e-Mohammed (JEM)
|
Along with LET, it was responsible for the 2001 attack on the Indian parliament.
|
Banned
|
|
Harakat-ul Jihad Islami (HUJI)
|
Initially formed to fight the Soviet army, later redirected efforts toward India. It operates in Afghanistan, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and India, seeking annexation of Kashmir into Pakistan.
|
Banned
|
|
Harkat-ul-Mujahideen (HUM)
|
Operates mainly from Pak-Occupied Kashmir and some Pakistani cities.
|
Banned
|
|
Hizb-ul Mujahideen
|
The militant wing of Pakistan’s largest Islamist political party, and is one of the largest and oldest militant groups operating in Jammu and Kashmir.
|
Banned
|
|
Al Qaeda
|
Operates primarily from former Federally Administered Tribal Areas in Karachi, and Afghanistan.
|
Banned
|
UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Question (PYQ)
Prelims:
Q.‘Hand-in-Hand 2007’ a joint anti-terrorism military training was held by the officers of the Indian Army and officers of Army of which one of the following countries? (2008)
(a) China
(b) Japan
(c) Russia
(d) USA
Ans: (a)
Mains
Q. Indian government has recently strengthed the anti-terrorism laws by amending the Unlawful Activities(Prevention) Act, (UAPA), 1967 and the NIA Act. Analyze the changes in the context of prevailing security environment while discussing scope and reasons for opposing the UAPA by human rights organizations. (2019)
PM Virasat Ka Samvardhan (VIKAS) Scheme
19-07-2025
Source: PIB
Why in News?
The Ministry of Minority Affairs (MoMA) launched a skill training and women entrepreneurship development project under the Pradhan Mantri Virasat Ka Samvardhan (PM VIKAS) scheme.
- Under this project, 150 youth candidates will be trained in Internet of Things (IoT) and 300 women candidates will receive entrepreneurship training, with stipends and industry linkages for employment opportunities.
What is PM-VIKAS Scheme?
- About:
- It is a skilling initiative from MoMA focusing on the skilling, entrepreneurship and leadership training requirements of the minority and artisan communities across the country.
- The scheme is intended to be implemented in convergence with the Skill India Mission and through integration with the Skill India Portal (SIP).
- The PM VIKAS scheme integrates the Ministry’s earlier skilling and education initiatives into a unified platform to support the socio-economic development of India’s six notified minority communities - Muslims, Sikhs, Christians, Buddhists, Jains, and Zoroastrians (Parsis).
- The scheme also provisions to facilitate credit linkages by connecting beneficiaries with loan programs offered by the National Minorities Development & Finance Corporation (NMDFC).
- Implementation:
- For the implementation of the scheme, the Ministry aims to select art & craft clusters in Minority Concentrated Areas (MCAs).
- The scheme also aims to converge with other Ministries like Ministry of Tourism, Ministry of Women & Child Development, Ministry of Panchayati Raj, Ministry of Education along with Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship to ensure holistic development of minorities in the identified clusters.
- Components of the Scheme:
- Skilling and Training Component:
- Traditional Training (earlier known as USTTAD and Hamari Dharohar): It primarily covers training in need-based courses for minority artisan communities and their family members who are engaged in traditional arts and crafts including languishing art forms.
- Non-traditional Skilling (earlier Seekho aur Kamao): It seeks to impart skill training, particularly to minorities and artisan families, in National Skills Qualification Framework (NSQF) compliant job roles in sectors having linkages with arts and crafts along employment opportunities.
- Leadership and Entrepreneurship Component (earlier Nai Roshni):
- It aims to promote leadership development and basic entrepreneurship primarily among youth from minority communities and artisan families through focused modules.
- The Entrepreneurship sub-component of this initiative aims to provide exclusive support to women trained in leadership and basic entrepreneurship by offering intensive entrepreneurship training.
- Further, it intends to select aspiring women entrepreneurs, from amongst those trained, to become Business Mentors (to be known as ‘Biz Sakhis’ in the scheme) and promote establishment of individual or group enterprises for the same.
- Education Component (earlier Nai Manzil):
- This component aims to provide education bridge program to school dropouts from minority and artisan communities for pursuing open schooling in class 8th- 12th and provide them certification through National Institute of Open School (NIOS) or any other institutions approved by MoMA.
Schemes Related to Upliftment of Minority Communities
Schemes Related to Skill Development, Entrepreneurship and Training
Gujarat's Banni Grasslands Ready for Cheetah Reintroduction
19-07-2025
Source: TH
Banni Grasslands in Gujarat, a designated site under Project Cheetah, is now ready for cheetah reintroduction with a 600-hectare enclosure, rising herbivore populations, and necessary infrastructure.
Banni Grasslands
- About: Banni is Asia’s largest grassland, located near the Great Rann of Kutch in Gujarat.
- The Banni Grasslands emerged from the sea due to tectonic activities.
- Vegetation: Vegetation is sparse and largely rainfall-dependent. It is dominated by low-growing plants, forbs, and graminoids, many of which are halophytic (salt-tolerant), along with scattered trees and scrublands.
- It is also known for the mysterious "Chir Batti" or ghost lights that appear at night.
- Ecosystem: Banni features a unique blend of wetlands and grasslands, coexisting side by side.
- Key species include Banni buffalo, Kankrej cattle, Indian wild ass, camel, and horse.
- Cultural Significance: Banni is home to several semi-nomadic communities, such as the Maldharis (silvipastoralists).
- Maldharis (keeper of animal stock) are a tribal herdsmen community living in Banni and Gir Forest regions. They rear sheep, goats, cows, buffaloes, and camels.
- An Ideal Habitat for Cheetah: The grasslands closely resemble the cheetah's natural habitat in Africa, with vast expanses of grasslands, savannahs, and scrublands, making it a perfect site for the big cats.
- The Gujarat Forest Department has set up a breeding center and enhanced the prey population (chital and sambar) to support the cheetahs.
Cheetah
- The cheetah, the world’s fastest mammal, is the only large carnivore extinct in India (1952).
- Unlike other big cats, it does not roar, but uses chirps, barks, and stutter barks to mark presence and territory.
- Cheetahs are solitary and mark territory through urine sprays, cheek rubbing, and tree scratches.


Biostimulants
19-07-2025
Source: ET
In the recently held ‘Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan’, the Union Agriculture Minister emphasized the issue of unregulated sale of biostimulants and announced that only those biostimulants that meet all necessary criteria and are scientifically proven to be beneficial to farmers will be approved.
- These approvals will be granted solely based on scientific validation.
Biostimulants
- About: Biostimulants are substances or microorganisms (such as beneficial bacteria, fungi, or plant extracts) that, when applied to seeds, plants, or soil, stimulate natural plant processes.
- Biostimulants enhance nutrition efficiency, abiotic stress tolerance, crop quality.
- Contribution to Sustainable Agriculture:
- Improving plant tolerance to abiotic stress on plants, including drought, extreme temperatures (cold, frost, and heat), and salinity
- Enhancing uptake and efficient use of nutrients, both applied and existing
- Improving soil health by enhancing beneficial soil microorganisms
- Enhancing crop quality through plant health and vigor
- Increasing harvestable yields
|
Classification of Biostimulants
|
|
Biostimulants
|
Description
|
Examples
|
|
Humic and Fulvic Acids
|
Soil organic matter from plant, animal, and microbial residues.
|
Peat, leonardite, soft coal
|
|
Seaweed Extracts
|
Derived through different extraction processes.
|
Soluble powders or liquid extracts
|
|
Liquid Manure Composting
|
Manure mixed with proprietary materials to promote microbial growth.
|
Liquid biofertilizer from composted manure
|
|
Beneficial Bacteria and Fungi
|
Bacteria and fungi that aid in root growth.
|
Bacillus, Rhizobium fungi
|
- Market Outlook in India: The biostimulants market in India was valued at approximately USD 355-362 million in 2024 and is projected to reach between USD 1.13 billion and USD 1.2 billion by 2032.
- Related Provisions: In India, the biostimulants are regulated via the Fertiliser (Inorganic, Organic or Mixed) Control Order (FCO), 1985, amended recently in 2024 and 2025.
- The Fertilizer (Control) Order, 1985, administered by the Department of Agriculture Cooperation, has been issued under the Essential Commodities Act, 1955.
Initiatives Related to Organic Farming
India’s First Digital Nomad Village
19-07-2025
Source: TH
Yakten, a village in Sikkim’s Pakyong district, has been officially declared India’s first digital nomad village under the ‘Nomad Sikkim’ initiative.
- About Yakten Nomad Village: It is a step towards promoting sustainable tourism, remote work opportunities, and grassroots entrepreneurship in the Himalayan state.
- It aligns with Sikkim CM’s "One Family, One Entrepreneur" initiative to foster local entrepreneurship and youth innovation.
- Aim: It aims to transform strategic locations in Sikkim into year-round hubs for digital professionals across India and abroad, while ensuring sustainable income opportunities for homestay owners during the tourist off-season, which may stretch for six months.
- About Nomad Sikkim Initiative: It is a joint initiative of the Pakyong district administration and Sarvahitey NGO to create a digital nomad hub for professionals seeking a blend of remote work and peaceful living.
- A digital nomad is a person who uses technology to work remotely, earning a living online while moving between different locations of their choice.
- The State holds the distinction of being India’s first fully organic state (2016), the first state to introduce organic aquaculture (fish farming), and the first state to achieve 100% Open Defecation Free (ODF) status (2016).
India’s Advancements in Ballistic and Air Defence Systems
19-07-2025
Source: TH
India has successfully test-fired its indigenously developed ballistic missiles Prithvi-II and Agni-I from the Integrated Test Range in Chandipur, Odisha.
- The development comes after the Indian Army carried out successful trials of the indigenously developed Air Defence System “Akash Prime” in Ladakh.
Prithvi-II
Agni-I
- Developed by the DRDO, Agni-I is a nuclear-capable, short-to-medium range ballistic missile with a range of 700–900 km.
- It can carry a 1,000 kg payload, is road and rail mobile, and fills the gap between the Prithvi series and longer-range Agni missiles in India’s credible minimum deterrence strategy.
Akash Prime
- It is an upgraded version of the Akash missile system, now featuring an indigenous active Radio Frequency (RF) seeker for better accuracy across terrain and weather.
- First used in Operation Sindoor against Pakistani aerial threats, it’s a medium-range, surface-to-air system designed to defend mobile and static assets.
- The Akash system features high automation, cross-country mobility, and simultaneous multi-target engagement using real-time multi-sensor data.
- It operates at altitudes up to 4,500 m and targets threats 25–30 km away.
Ballistic Missiles
- Ballistic missiles are rocket-propelled weapons that follow a free-fall trajectory after launch. They can carry conventional or nuclear warheads and be launched from land, sea, or air.
- Based on range, they're classified as short (< 1,000 km), medium (1,000–3,000 km), intermediate (3,000–5,500 km), or long-range or intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs)( > 5,500 km). Agni-V is India’s longest-range missile, an ICBM with a range of over 5,000 km.
Hydraulics System and its Applications
19-06-2025
Source: TH
From towering cranes to aircraft landing gears, hydraulic systems power some of the most critical mechanical operations to convert small inputs into massive force outputs.
- About Hydraulic Systems: A hydraulic system is a technology that uses incompressible fluid (usually oil) to transmit force and motion.
- A small force applied at one end generates a much larger force at the other end by increasing the contact area while pressure remains constant.
- Working: It works on Pascal’s law, which states that pressure applied to a fluid is transmitted equally in all directions, enabling heavy loads to be moved with small input force.
- Pressure is the force applied per unit area on the surface of an object. It indicates how much force is acting on a specific area. Its SI unit is Pascal (Pa), where 1 Pascal = 1 Newton per square meter (N/m²).

- Applications: Hydraulic systems are widely used in construction equipment (excavators, bulldozers, cranes), automotive systems (brakes, clutches), aircraft (landing gear), industrial machinery (presses, lifts), and agriculture (tractors, harvesters)
- Advantages: Smooth movements, High power-to-weight ratio, Better heat dissipation, Smooth, and High precision in applications.
Lamarckian Inheritance and Epigenetics Evolution
19-06-2025
Source: TH
The recent discovery of heritable cold tolerance in rice plants through epigenetic changes marks a historic validation of Jean-Baptiste Lamarck’s theory that environmental influences can affect heredity — a concept once dismissed but now supported by modern science.
- Epigenetics refers to heritable changes in gene expression caused by external factors that switch genes on or off without altering the DNA sequence.
- Lamarck’s Theory (1809): It proposed that traits acquired during an organism’s lifetime through use, disuse, or environment could be inherited.
- Scientific Challenges to Lamarck:
- Darwin’s Natural Selection (1859): It argued genetic variations (not acquired traits) drive evolution via "survival of the fittest."
- Weismann’s Experiment (1890s): Tailless mice produced normal-tailed offspring, disproving inheritance of acquired traits.
- Gregor-Johann Mendel: It showed genes (DNA) are the stable units of heredity, not environmental adaptations.
- Epigenetics Emerges:
- Royal Brink’s Maize Study (1956): It revealed that gene expression, not just DNA sequence, could be heritable, demonstrating non-DNA-based inheritance.
- Arthur Riggs’ Hypothesis (1975): It proposed epigenetic marks (chemical tags on DNA) could pass traits across generations without changing their DNA sequence. It is easier to change epigenetic marks than to mutate DNA.

Operation Sindhu Evacuation from Iran
19-06-2025
Source: IE
Why in News?
India announced launching ‘Operation Sindhu’ to evacuate Indian nationals from Iran through Armenia as fears of an all-out Israeli-American military strikes on Iran increased.
- It highlighted Armenia’s crucial role as a strategic and viable evacuation route, thanks to its geographic position and strong diplomatic ties with India.
- Iran borders Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Turkmenistan to the north. It shares borders with Afghanistan and Pakistan to the east, Iraq to the west, Turkey to the northwest, and has a southern coastline along the Persian Gulf and Gulf of Oman.
What Makes Armenia Strategically Important for Operation Sindhu?
- Geostrategic Location: Armenia’s 44-km border with Iran and the Nurduz-Agarak crossing, linked to Tehran by a 730 km highway, provide the most practical and safe land route for swift Indian evacuation.
- Limited Alternatives: Other borders pose challenges:
- Pakistan: Geopolitical tensions (post-Operation Sindoor) made the Iran-Pakistan border inaccessible.
- Turkey & Azerbaijan: Both support Pakistan, making their borders with Iran unfavorable for India.
- Afghanistan: No diplomatic ties with Taliban-ruled Afghanistan.
- Iraq & Turkmenistan: Iraq is an active conflict zone with airports closed, while Turkmenistan’s border is remote and underdeveloped.
- Strong Diplomatic Relations: Armenia’s support for India at international fora (e.g. Kashmir issue, UNSC seat).
- Regional Connectivity: Armenia is integral to the International North-South Transport Corridor, aligning with India’s broader strategy to secure trade and evacuation routes through the Caucasus region.
What are Other Key Indian Evacuation Operations?
|
Operation
|
Year
|
Location
|
Context
|
|
Operation Kaveri
|
2023
|
Sudan
|
Evacuation during violent military clashes
|
|
Operation Ajay
|
2023
|
Israel
|
Evacuation during the Israel–Hamas conflict
|
|
Operation Ganga
|
2022
|
Ukraine
|
Evacuation during the Russia-Ukraine war
|
|
Operation Devi Shakti
|
2021
|
Afghanistan
|
Evacuation after Taliban takeover
|
|
Operation Samudra Setu
|
2020
|
Various (via sea)
|
Evacuation during Covid-19 pandemic (Vande Bharat Mission)
|
|
Operation Raahat
|
2015
|
Yemen
|
Evacuation during civil conflict
|
|
Operation Safe Homecoming
|
2011
|
Libya
|
Evacuation during civil war in Arab Spring
|
UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Question (PYQ)
Q. Mediterranean Sea is a border of which of the following countries? (2017)
- Jordan
- Iraq
- Lebanon
- Syria
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) 1, 2 and 3 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 3 and 4 only
(d) 1, 3 and 4 only
Ans: (c)
Q. The term “two-state solution” is sometimes mentioned in the news in the context of the affairs of (2018)
(a) China
(b) Israel
(c) Iraq
(d) Yemen
Ans: (b)
Jumping Spider
19-06-2025
Source: TH
Spartaeus karigiri, a newly discovered jumping spider species from Karnataka, marks the first recorded presence of the Spartaeus and Sonoita genera (part of the Spartaeinae subfamily of Salticidae family) in India, previously known only from Southeast Asia and Africa.
- The species is named after Karigiri, or Elephant Hill of Karnataka.
- Sonoita cf. lightfooti, previously thought to be confined to Africa, was discovered in Karnataka, suggesting a possible range extension or introduction.
Jumping Spiders (Spartaeus karigiri)
- Distribution: Found globally across America, Europe, Asia, Africa, and Australia with abundance in tropical regions.
- Biodiversity: Salticidae is the largest spider family with 5,000+ species under Order Araneae and Class Arachnida.
- Physical Traits: Small, fuzzy spiders (<0.5 inch) with 8 eyes, two large front-facing eyes provide high-resolution vision for hunting, navigation, and courtship.
- Capable of running, climbing, and jumping, uses a silk dragline for safe landing.
- Hunting Behavior: Active carnivores that prey on small insects using stalking, mimicry (e.g., ant-like appearance), and camouflage, some species also consume pollen and nectar opportunistically.
- Jumping Mechanism: Jump over 50 times body length via hydraulic leg pressure, not muscles.
- Reproduction: Females guard silk-encased egg sacs, spiderlings molt into adults.
- Notable Species: Euophrys omnisuperstes (Himalayan jumping spider), found at 22,000 ft on Mount Everest, highest known spider habitat.

Climate Records Unearthed From Kondagai Lake
19-01-2026
Source: PIB
Recently, researchers reconstructed one of India’s most detailed inland climate records using sediment cores from Kondagai Lake, Sivaganga, a region highly sensitive to the Northeast Monsoon.
- Key Findings: The study reconstructed 4,500 years of Late Holocene climate history from Kondagai Lake using multiproxy techniques such as stable isotopes, pollen analysis, grain size and radiocarbon dating.
- It identified three major climatic phases- the 4.2 ka arid event, 3.2 ka dry phase and the Roman Warm Period, linking them to monsoon variability, lake hydrology and human activity.
- The long-term climate record provides a robust baseline for understanding Northeast Monsoon behaviour, supports flood risk mapping in the Vaigai basin, guides water resource management through insights into lake-level and groundwater changes, and strengthens wetland restoration and biodiversity conservation planning.
- Holocene Epoch: The Holocene is the current geological epoch, beginning about 11,700 years ago after the last Ice Age. It is characterised by relatively stable and warm climatic conditions and coincides with the rise of human civilisation. It forms part of the Quaternary Period, following the Pleistocene Epoch.
- Kondagai Lake: Kondagai is an inland lake in Sivaganga district, Tamil Nadu, located close to the archaeological site of Keeladi associated with the Sangam-era civilisation, dating back to the 6th century.
- The lake lies in an ancient settlement zone, offering insights into past monsoon variability, ecosystem responses and human–environment interaction.

India’s First State-Funded BSL- 4 Lab
19-01-2026
Source:IE
Union Home Minister laid the foundation stone of India’s first state-funded Bio-Safety Level-4 (BSL-4) laboratory in Gandhinagar, Gujarat, marking a major milestone in strengthening the country’s health security, biotechnology research, and preparedness against deadly pathogens.
- BSL-4 Laboratory: BSL-4 represents the highest level of biological containment, designed to study highly infectious and deadly pathogens that often lack effective vaccines or treatments, under strict international safety protocols.
- India’s First State-Funded BSL-4 Facility: It will be the second civilian Bio-Safety Level-4 (BSL-4) laboratory in India.
- Developed under the Gujarat State Biotechnology Mission (GSBTM) and operated by the Gujarat Biotechnology Research Centre (GBRC), which earlier decoded the SARS-CoV-2 genome.
- The complex will include BSL-4, BSL-3, BSL-2, ABSL-4, and ABSL-3 modules, along with high-end utilities and containment systems.
- Animal Bio-Safety (ABSL-4): The ABSL-4 unit will allow in-state testing and vaccine research on zoonotic diseases.
- National Facility Status: The Department of Biotechnology (DBT) has signed an MoU declaring it a national facility, enabling access to experts and institutions across India.
- India’s Existing High-Security Labs:
- Civilian BSL-4 lab: National Institute of Virology, Pune.
- Defence BSL-4 lab: DRDO, Gwalior.
- India currently has 154 BSL-2 labs and 11 BSL-3 labs under the VRDL network (as of March 2025).
- Strategic Importance for India: Enables real-time response to deadly outbreaks without dependence on limited central facilities.
- Reduces reliance on sending animal samples to ICAR-NIHSAD, Bhopal, strengthening domestic capacity.
- Supports vaccine and therapeutic development using animal models, crucial for future pandemics.
Export Preparedness Index (EPI) 2024
19-01-2026
Source: PIB
NITI Aayog has released the Export Preparedness Index (EPI) 2024, assessing the export readiness of States and Union Territories, highlighting their critical role in achieving India’s USD 1 trillion merchandise export target by 2030 and the vision of Viksit Bharat @2047.
- Export Preparedness Index (EPI): First launched in 2020, the EPI assesses State and district-level export readiness through an evidence-based framework.
- It highlights the role of States and districts in driving exports, jobs, and global value chain integration, with emphasis on infrastructure, competitiveness, and cluster-led strategies.
- The Index links federalism with economic performance and highlights district-led export growth, supporting Make in India, Atmanirbhar Bharat, MSMEs, and trade competitiveness.
- Framework and Coverage of EPI 2024: It is structured around 4 pillars, 13 sub-pillars, and 70 indicators.
- The four core pillars are Export Infrastructure, Business Ecosystem, Policy & Governance, and Export Performance.
- Among these, the Business Ecosystem carries the highest weightage (40%), while the other three pillars have 20% each, highlighting the growing importance of cost efficiency, MSMEs, access to finance, and innovation in strengthening export competitiveness.
- For comparative assessment, States and UTs are grouped into Large States, Small States, North-Eastern States, and Union Territories, and classified as Leaders (High export preparedness), Challengers (Moderate preparedness with scope for improvement), and Aspirers (Early-stage export ecosystems) promoting peer learning, cooperative federalism, and focused reforms.
- EPI 2024 Top Performing States and UTs: The top-performing Large States are Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, and Andhra Pradesh, while the leading Small States, North-Eastern States, and Union Territories include Uttarakhand, Jammu and Kashmir, Nagaland, Dadra & Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu, and Goa.
1.03 Crore New Workers Added to ESIC
19-01-2026
Source: TH
Recently, the Union Labour Ministry announced that reforms in Employees' State Insurance Corporation (ESIC) and Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO), particularly the Scheme to Promote Registration of Employers/Employees (SPREE), have extended social security coverage to over one crore workers.
- Under SPREE, a one-time, penalty-free window enabled unregistered employers and employees to enter the ESIC system without retrospective liabilities, resulting in the registration of 1.17 lakh employers and 1.03 crore employees(as of 11 January 2026).
- The Employees’ State Insurance Corporation (ESIC) administers the Employees’ State Insurance Scheme (ESI) under the Employees’ State Insurance Act, 1948, providing socio-economic protection against sickness, maternity, disablement, employment injury, and ensuring medical care for insured workers and their dependent families.
- Parallel EPFO reforms have eased access to provident fund benefits by allowing withdrawal of up to 75% of the balance while retaining 25% for retirement, alongside expanded auto-settlement of claims through simplified processes.
- The Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) is a statutory body under the Ministry of Labour & Employment, administering provident fund and pension schemes under the Employees’ Provident Fund & Miscellaneous Provisions Act, 1952, and is among the world’s largest social security organisations.
India Joins Global Research on Dolphin–Fisher Mutualism
18-11-2025
Source: TH
The University of Kerala, in collaboration with international researchers, has launched a multi-year research project (2024–2028) to study the rare cooperative fishing behaviour (mutualism) between Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins and artisanal fishers in Ashtamudi Lake, Kerala.
- Mechanism: Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins (Sousa plumbea) signal dense fish shoals with tail-slaps or rolls, helping fishers cast nets at the right moment for maximum yield, while the scattered fish become easier for dolphins to catch.
- Mutualism: It is a long-term association between two species where both benefit—such as through food, protection, pollination, seed dispersal, or shelter.
- Indo-Pacific Humpback Dolphins: They are known for their distinct hump and elongated dorsal fin, inhabit shallow coastal waters across Australia, Africa, and Asia.
Ashtamudi Lake
- About: It is a Ramsar site in Kollam district, one of Kerala's largest lakes and regarded as the gateway to the backwaters.
- The name 'Ashtamudi' means 'eight braids' in Malayalam, derived from its unique eight-armed or branched shape.
- Geography: It is fed by several rivers including the Kallada River, drains into the Arabian Sea, and is surrounded by mangroves, coconut palms, and lush greenery..
- Biodiversity: Bird species like kingfishers, herons, egrets, and cormorants inhabit the wetlands. Kallada River serves as a breeding ground for pearl spot fish (karimeen).


Senkaku Islands
18-11-2025
Source: TH
China Coast Guard ships conducted a “rights enforcement patrol” near the Japan-administered Senkaku Islands. The move comes after the Japanese Prime Minister stated that any Chinese attack on Taiwan could prompt a military response from Tokyo.
- The Senkaku Islands remain a long-running territorial dispute between China and Japan.
- Senkaku Islands: The islands are referred to as the “Senkaku”, the “Diaoyu”, and the “Diaoyutai” by Japan, China and Taiwan, respectively, with Japan administering them.
- They lie in the East China Sea, close to all three countries, and consist of five small uninhabited islands and a few rocks, with the largest, Uotsuri, measuring only 1.4 square miles.
- Strategic Importance: A 1969 UN report indicating possible hydrocarbon reserves under the Senkaku Islands boosted their strategic value and intensified sovereignty disputes.
- Historical Background of the Dispute: Japan assumed control of Taiwan and the Senkaku Islands in 1895, after winning the first Sino-Japanese War. China argues Japan illegally seized the islands after the war.
- After Japan's loss in the Second World War in 1945, the US took administrative control of Islands under the 1951 Treaty of Peace.
- In 1971, the US and Japan signed the Okinawa Reversion Agreement, and returned Okinawa and the Senkaku Islands to Japan.
- China and Taiwan immediately protested the handover, but Japan insists their claims emerged only after the discovery of potential hydrocarbons.

Pradhan Mantri Formalisation of Micro Food Processing Enterprises Scheme
18-10-2025
Source: ET
Why in News?
The Union Finance Minister of India announced the release of ₹3,791.1 crore to States and Union Territories under the Pradhan Mantri Formalisation of Micro Food Processing Enterprises (PM-FME) Scheme.
What is the PM-FME Scheme?
- About: PM-FME aims to strengthen micro food enterprises, promote ‘Vocal for Local’ products, and integrate rural entrepreneurs into the formal economy.
- Launched on 29 June 2020, the PM-FME Scheme is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme under the Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan.
- It was launched for a duration of 2020–21 to 2025–26 with a total outlay of ₹10,000 crore.
- Salient Features of the Scheme:
- Common Infrastructure: FPOs, Cooperatives, SHGs, and Government agencies setting up food processing units with shared facilities are eligible for a 35% credit-linked subsidy, up to ₹3 crore.
- Credit-Linked Subsidy: Individuals, FPOs, NGOs, Cooperatives, SHGs, and Pvt. Ltd. firms can avail a 35% subsidy, up to ₹10 lakh per unit, for upgrading or setting up new units.
- One District One Product (ODOP): Implements an ODOP approach to promote scale, value chain development, and marketing support- covering 713 districts in 35 States/UTs with 137 unique products.
- Seed Capital for Self Help Groups: Provides ₹40,000 per member, up to ₹4 lakh per SHG, as seed capital for working capital and small tools, disbursed through SHG federations.
- Marketing & Branding: Offers a 50% grant for branding and marketing initiatives by FPOs, SHGs, Cooperatives, or SPVs to promote processed food products.
- Capacity Building: Provides training under the Food Processing Entrepreneurship Development Programme to enhance technical and business skills of beneficiaries.
- Cost Sharing Pattern: 60:40 between Centre and States, 90:10 for North Eastern and Himalayan States, 60:40 for UTs with legislature, and 100% Central funding for other UTs.
What are the Other Key Government Initiatives Related to the Food Processing Sector?
- Pradhan Mantri Kisan Sampada Yojana
- Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme for the food processing industry.
- Priority Sector Lending (PSL): Food and agro-processing units, along with cold chain infrastructure, are now recognized as priority sectors.
- 100% FDI under Automatic Route: The food processing sector can receive full foreign direct investment through the automatic approval route.
- Special Food Processing Fund: Establishment of a ₹2,000 crore fund with the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD).
- The Mega Food Park Scheme provides integrated infrastructure for food processing, offering up to Rs 50 crore per project.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the PM-FME Scheme?
A scheme launched in 2020 to formalize micro food enterprises, promote local products, enhance rural income, and integrate entrepreneurs into the formal economy.
2. What support does PM-FME provide?
Provides capital subsidies, grants, seed funding, training, branding, marketing, common infrastructure, and R&D support to individual units, FPOs, cooperatives, and SHGs.
3. What is the ODOP approach?
Each district focuses on one key product, promoting cluster-based processing, storage, branding, market linkages, and aligning with India’s Agriculture Export Policy.
4. What challenges does the sector face?
Infrastructure gaps, limited finance access, and weak quality standards hinder growth, export potential, and competitiveness of India’s food processing industry.
UPSC Civil Services Examination Previous Year Question (PYQ)
Prelims
Q. With what purpose is the Government of India promoting the concept of “Mega Food Parks”? (2011)
- To provide good infrastructure facilities for the food processing industry.
- To increase the processing of perishable items and reduce wastage.
- To provide emerging and eco-friendly food processing technologies to entrepreneurs.
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
(a) 1 only
(b) 1 and 2 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Ans: (b)

GPS Spoofing
18-10-2025
Source: ET
An Air India flight operating from Vienna to Delhi was forced to divert after a suspected GPS signal spoofing over the Middle East disrupted its navigation. The spoofing of signals caused severe degradation of the aircraft’s flight control systems, including failures in autopilot, autothrust, flight director, and autoland functions.
- GPS Spoofing: It is a cyberattack in which fake or counterfeit GPS signals are sent to receivers, causing them to compute incorrect position, navigation, or time information.
- Working Mechanism: Attackers use ground-based transmitters to broadcast strong counterfeit GPS signals that override genuine satellite signals.
- The GPS receiver locks onto these fake signals, producing incorrect location or time readings.
- Effects on Aviation: Spoofing can cause aircraft navigation systems including autopilot, flight director, and autoland, to malfunction, leading to misrouting, cockpit confusion, false warnings, and risks of entering restricted airspace or collisions.
- Difference from Jamming: Unlike jamming, which blocks or disrupts signals, spoofing feeds false data, making detection and response more difficult.
- Mitigation Measures: Robust backup navigation systems like Inertial Reference Systems (IRS) offer alternative location data during spoofing.
- Anti-spoofing technologies, multi-constellation GNSS, advanced signal processing, and pilot training are essential to enhance resilience.


Northeast Monsoon
18-10-2025
Source: TH
The timely onset of the northeast monsoon in October 2025 has brought much-needed relief to Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh, regions that rely heavily on it for both agriculture and water security.
- Northeast Monsoon (October to December): As the southwest monsoon (June to September) begins to fade, the northeast monsoon sets in by October.
- This is also called the retreating monsoon. It is shorter and less widespread but still important, especially for southern India.
- By October, the land starts to cool faster than the ocean. This creates a high-pressure area over the Indian subcontinent and a low-pressure area over the surrounding seas.
- The direction of wind flow reverses and winds blow from land to sea. These are called northeasterlies. Since these winds pass over the Bay of Bengal before reaching the southeastern coast, they pick up some moisture.
- As they reach Tamil Nadu, south Andhra Pradesh and parts of Sri Lanka, they provide abundant moisture for rainfall activity.
- This rain is crucial for regions like Tamil Nadu that do not receive much during the southwest monsoon. It supports rabi crops and replenishes reservoirs in the southern peninsula.


Major Announcements on India’s 79th Independence Day
18-08-2025
Source: HT
On India’s 79th Independence Day, Prime Minister announced key initiatives to drive the nation toward developed status by 2047.
Major Announcements
- PM Viksit Bharat Rozgar Yojana: It aims to create 3.5 crore jobs in two years. Newly employed youth will receive Rs 15,000 as support, benefiting around 3 crore individuals. It marks a key step from Swatantra Bharat to Samriddha Bharat.
- Mission Sudarshan Chakra: Aims to develop an indigenous Iron Dome-like air defence system by 2035 to protect strategic and civilian sites, with capabilities to intercept and retaliate against enemy attacks.
- Semiconductor: India to roll out its first Made-in-India semiconductor chip by the end of 2025.
- National Deep Water Exploration Mission: The planned mission termed as “Samudra Manthan’ aims to explore offshore oil, gas, and mineral resources in mission mode.
- GST and Task Force Reforms: Goods and Services Tax (GST) reforms to be launched by October 2025, with reduced taxes on essentials and relief for MSMEs and consumers.
- A dedicated Reform Task Force will drive economic growth, cut red tape, and modernise governance for a USD 10 trillion economy by 2047.
- High-Powered Demography Mission: Aims to tackle demographic imbalance from illegal migration in border areas, ensuring national security, unity, and citizens' rights.
- Nuclear Energy Expansion: India plans to increase nuclear power capacity tenfold by 2047, with 10 new reactors currently under development.
- Clean Energy Target Achieved: India has met its goal of 50% electricity capacity from non-fossil sources, five years ahead of the 2030 deadline.
Key Sports Related Bills Passed in Parliament
18-08-2025
Source: TH
Parliament has passed 2 key legislations, the National Sports Governance Bill, 2025 and the National Anti-Doping (Amendment) Bill, 2025 aimed at reforming sports governance and strengthening anti-doping measures in India.
National Sports Governance Bill, 2025
- Empowers the central government to establish the National Sports Board (NSB) and establishes National Olympic Committee, National Paralympic Committee, and Sports Federations for each designated sport.
- The NSB can recognise, suspend, or cancel sports bodies (incl. BCCI), conduct inquiries, frame Code of Ethics & Safe Sports Policy, regulate elections via National Sports Election Panel, and ensure international compliance.
- Mandates national/regional sports federations (affiliated with international bodies) to have a General Body, 15-member Executive Committee (at least 2 outstanding sportspersons & 4 women), and Ethics, Dispute Resolution, Athletes Committees.
- Creates National Sports Tribunal (3-member; chaired by sitting or former Judge of the SC or the Chief Justice of a HC) with civil court powers for speedy disputes; excludes doping, internal disputes, and international event matters, with appeals to the Supreme Court.
- Recognised bodies are public authorities under RTI Act, 2005 only if they receive government grants or financial assistance. They must maintain CAG-audited accounts, and obtain approval to use “India”/national insignia.
- The Centre can frame rules, relax eligibility, and restrict national teams’ participation abroad for reasons of security, public order, or safety.
Note:
- Sports is a State subject under Entry 33, List II of the 7th Schedule of the Constitution.
National Anti-Doping (Amendment) Bill, 2025
- Amends National Anti-Doping Act, 2022 to strengthen the anti-doping framework in India, prohibiting doping (use of performance-enhancing substances) and aligning with UNESCO Convention against Doping in Sports.
- Empowers the National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA) to implement anti-doping rules, conduct testing, and enforce regulations.
- Establishes the National Board for Anti-Doping in Sports to oversee NADA, advise the central government, and access information from Disciplinary and Appeal Panels.
- Specifies a clear list of anti-doping rule violations, ensuring robust enforcement, adjudication, and compliance.
Birth Anniversary of Adikabi Sarala Das
18-07-2025
Source: PIB
The President of India participated in the birth anniversary celebrations of Adikabi Sarala Das (15th July 2025).
Adikabi Sarala Das

- Adikabi Sarala Dasa, originator of Odia literature, was born around the 15th century A.D.
- He was the first scholar to write in Odia language.
- His early name was Siddheswara Parida and was a contemporary of Gajapati king Kapilendra Dev.
- He wrote his epic poems at a religious establishment known as Munigosain.
- Besides the three epics for which he is best known — the Mahabharata, Vilanka Ramayana, and Chandi Purana — he also wrote the Laxmi Narayana Vachanika.
Odia Language
- Oldest of the eastern group of the Indo-Aryan family, Odia is derived from Ardhamagadhi Prakrit.
- Odia has also been influenced by the Dravidian languages as well as Arabic, Persian, and English.
- In 2014, Odia became the 6th language of the country to get 'classical language' status, after Sanskrit, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, and Malayalam.
- In 2024, Marathi, Pali, Prakrit, Assamese, and Bengali were included in the category of classical languages.
- Odia is one of the 22 official languages included in the Eighth Schedule of the Indian Constitution.
Right to Peace Over Noise
18-07-2025
Source: TH
The Madras High Court has ruled that religious gatherings, which include loud public prayers, cannot be held in residential premises without prior permission from the District Collector.
- The respondents argued they had neighbours’ consent and protection under Article 25 (freedom of religion), claiming the chants promoted peace.
- However, the court ruled that religious freedom cannot override others’ right to peace, stressing that prayer should be personal and not cause public disturbance.
- This ruling echoes an earlier Supreme Court of India judgment that prioritized the right to peace and protection from noise pollution.
- In 2005, the Supreme Court ruled that noise pollution violates Article 21, which ensures the right to life and peaceful living. It clarified that using loudspeakers, even for religious purposes, is not a fundamental right.
- The Court made it clear that it’s not about religion, but about protecting others from being a forced audience to noise.
- Article 21 ensures the right to peace, and no one has a right to create noise that disturbs others, even in their own home.
- Under the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981, "air pollutant" includes noise if present in harmful concentrations that can harm humans, animals, plants, property, or the environment.
Black Hole Merger
18-07-2025
Source: TH
Why in News?
An international team of scientists has detected the most massive black hole merger ever observed. The event, named GW231123, was observed by the LIGO-Virgo-KAGRA (LVK) collaboration, which forms the Gravitational Wave Network.
What is a Black Hole Merger?
- About: A black hole merger occurs when two black holes orbit each other and gradually move closer by emitting gravitational waves (ripples in space-time caused by some of the most violent and energetic processes in the universe).
- As they spiral inward, they eventually collide and merge into a single, larger black hole.
- These gravitational waves are detected on Earth by observatories like the LVK network of gravitational wave observatories.
- Significance of GW231123: It involved two black holes, approximately 100 and 140 times the mass of the Sun, colliding to form a single, massive black hole about 225 times the Sun's mass.
- The waves from GW231123 actually originated billions of years ago, but only reached Earth in 2025.
- This black hole merger, unlike typical stellar black holes under 60 solar masses, GW231123 is much bigger and spinning unusually fast, making the discovery even more intriguing.
- Implications: Black holes this big are typically thought to come from the collapse of huge stars. This event suggests that some may instead form through mergers of smaller black holes.
Gravitational Wave Network
- The gravitational wave network, often referred to as the LVK collaboration, is a global alliance of observatories that work together to detect gravitational waves.
- LVK:
- LIGO (Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory): The first to detect gravitational waves in 2015, LIGO has two detectors located in the US.
- That historic gravitational wave detection confirmed a prediction made by Einstein (predicted their existence in his general theory of Relativity in 1916) and earned the 2017 Nobel Prize in Physics.
- Virgo: Located in Italy, Virgo joined the network to increase detection accuracy and help pinpoint the location of events.
- KAGRA (Kamioka Gravitational Wave Detector): A newer detector in Japan, KAGRA adds sensitivity and a broader geographic spread.
Note: India in collaboration with the US is building the third detector of LIGO, which will be known as LIGO-India.

UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Question (PYQ)
Prelims
Q. Recently, scientists observed the merger of giant ‘blackholes’ billions of light-years away from the Earth. What is the significance of this observation? (2019)
(a) ‘Higgs boson particles’ were detected.
(b) ‘Gravitational waves’ were detected.
(c) Possibility of intergalactic space travel through ‘wormhole’ was confirmed.
(d) It enabled the scientists to understand ‘singularity’
Ans: (b)
Q. What is the purpose of ‘evolved Laser Interferometer Space Antenna (eLISA)’ project? (2017)
(a) To detect neutrinos
(b) To detect gravitational waves
(c) To detect the effectiveness of missile defence system
(d) To study the effect of solar flares on our communication systems
Ans: (b)
Noise Effect on Quantum Entanglement
18-07-2025
Source: PIB
Scientists from Raman Research Institute (RRI), IISc Bangalore, IISER Kolkata have found that quantum noise can sometimes enhance, revive, or even create entanglement, challenging earlier beliefs that it only disrupts quantum systems.
Quantum Entanglement
- Quantum entanglement refers to a phenomenon in quantum mechanics where two or more particles become interlinked, such that the state of one particle instantly determines the state of the other, regardless of the distance.
- It forms the basis of advanced technologies like quantum computing, quantum cryptography, and quantum communication,
- Types of Quantum Entanglement:
- Intraparticle entanglement, where different properties (e.g., spin and path) of a single particle are entangled.
- Interparticle entanglement, the more common form, involving entanglement between separate particles.

Quantum Noise
- About: Quantum noise refers to random disturbances arising from a system’s interaction with its environment, often leading to loss of coherence (decoherence) and degradation of quantum properties like entanglement.
- Types: Amplitude damping (energy loss), Phase damping (loss of phase coherence), and Depolarizing noise (randomization of the quantum state).
Noise Effects on Entanglement
- The study found that amplitude damping can create, preserve, or revive entanglement in intraparticle systems, while phase damping and depolarizing noise are less effective.
- Also, intraparticle entanglement was found to be more resilient to noise compared to interparticle entanglement, which showed only steady decay with no revival or generation under noise.
- The study introduced a realistic Global Noise Model and developed a precise analytical formula to predict entanglement behavior under various noise types, providing a valuable tool for designing resilient quantum systems suited for real-world, noisy environments.

Tea Board of India
18-06-2025
Source: BL
The Tea Board of India has amended the pan-India auction rules under the Bharat Auction model, based on key recommendations of the Ramaseshan Committee, aiming to enhance price discovery and protect seller interests in the tea sector.
- Ramaseshan Committee report pertains to improving price discovery and market structure in the tea industry.
- Bharat Auction model is a pan-India electronic auction system introduced by the Tea Board of India in which bids are placed prior to the lots going live.
- About Tea Board of India:
- Establishment: It was established in 1953 and is headquartered in Kolkata. It has 17 offices across India.
- It also has overseas offices like in London, Moscow and Dubai.
- Statutory Body: It was set up under Section 4 of the Tea Act, 1953.
- Regulatory Authority: It regulates various entities including tea producers, manufacturers, exporters, tea brokers, auction organisers, and warehouse keepers.
- Functions: It conducts market surveys, analyses, identifies, tracks consumer behaviour, and provides relevant and accurate information to importers and exporters.
Key Agricultural Boards in India:
|
Board
|
Constituted Under
|
Headquarters
|
|
Tea Board
|
Tea Act, 1953
|
Kolkata
|
|
Coffee Board
|
Coffee Act, 1942
|
Bangalore
|
|
Rubber Board
|
Rubber Act, 1947
|
Kottayam, Kerala
|
|
Spices Board
|
Spices Board Act, 1986
|
Kochi, Kerala
|
|
Tobacco Board
|
Tobacco Board Act, 1975
|
Guntur, Andhra Pradesh
|
|
National Turmeric Board
|
Not a statutory body
|
Nizamabad, Telangana
|
|
Makhana Board
|
-
|
Bihar (Proposed)
|
PM-WANI Scheme
18-06-2025
Source: BL
Why in News?
The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has prescribed a cap on tariffs charged to Public Data Offices (PDOs) under the PM-WANI scheme, in order to keep public Wi-Fi affordable, while also providing reasonable compensation for the broadband connection to service providers.
- TRAI has mandated that Internet Service Providers (ISPs) and Telecom Service Providers (TSPs) cannot charge PDOs more than twice the retail broadband tariff for plans up to 200 Mbps.
What is the PM-WANI Scheme?
- About: The Prime Minister's Wi-Fi Access Network Interface (PM-WANI), launched by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) in 2020, aims to expand the availability of public Wi-Fi hotspots across India, with a focus on strengthening digital communication infrastructure in rural and underserved areas.
- The scheme is designed to provide affordable internet access to the urban poor and rural population while boosting employment for small and micro-entrepreneurs through the establishment of Wi-Fi service outlets, supporting the goals of the National Digital Communications Policy, 2018.
- Access Mechanism: Users can access PM-WANI services by downloading the PM Wani application in the mobile phone, selecting a listed hotspot, and making a digital payment to use the internet.
- PM-WANI Ecosystem: The scheme comprises 4 key stakeholders:
- Public Data Office (PDO): Sets up Wi-Fi hotspots and provides internet services to users.
- Public Data Office Aggregator (PDOA): Facilitates authentication, accounting, and aggregation of multiple PDOs.
- App Provider: Develops and manages mobile applications that show accessible Wi-Fi hotspots.
- Central Registry: Maintained by the Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DoT), it holds records of all PDOs, PDOAs, and App Providers.
- Established in 1984, C-DoT is an autonomous telecom R&D centre under the DoT. It functions as a registered society under the Societies Registration Act, 1860.
- Key Features:
- No licence or registration fee required for Public Data Offices (PDOs), promoting participation by small vendors and entrepreneurs.
- Utilises local infrastructure (e.g., shops, kirana stores, tea stalls) to enable last-mile internet connectivity.
- Key Benefits:
- Enhances digital inclusion and narrows the urban-rural digital divide.
- Facilitates affordable internet access and supports the Digital India mission.
- Stimulates employment generation in the informal sector through entrepreneurship.
- Improved internet access can contribute to GDP growth by enabling digital services in education, health, governance, and commerce.
What are the Government Initiatives for Enhancing Broadband Connectivity?
- National Broadband Mission (NBM): It is a flagship initiative to expand and strengthen digital infrastructure across India.
- National Broadband Mission (NBM 1.0) launched in 2019 focused on expanding broadband access to all villages by 2022 and fiberizing existing telecom towers to enhance connectivity.
- National Broadband Mission 2.0 (2025-30) builds on the achievements of NBM 1.0 and aims to accelerate India’s digital transformation, strengthen digital infrastructure, and enhance global competitiveness.
- Gati Shakti Sanchar Portal: Gati Shakti Sanchar Portal was launched in 2022 to streamline the approval process for laying Optical Fiber Cable (OFC) and installing telecom infrastructure.
- Telecommunications Act, 2023 & Right of Way Rules, 2024: Telecommunications Act, 2023 & Right of Way Rules, 2024 aims to simplify and expedite the deployment of broadband infrastructure across the country.
- Amended BharatNet Program (2023): Amended BharatNet Program aims to provide optical fiber (OF) connectivity to 2.64 lakh GPs in ring topology (a network design where connected devices form a circular data channel) and OF connectivity to non-GP villages on demand.
- It focuses on remote and underserved areas, including the North-East, Islands, LWE-affected regions, Aspirational Districts, and border villages.
- Submarine OFC Connectivity: High-speed connectivity has been extended to island territories through the laying of submarine optical fiber cables between Chennai–Andaman & Nicobar Islands and Kochi–Lakshadweep, enhancing digital access in coastal and remote regions.
- As of May 2025, the Submarine OFC project connecting Chennai to Port Blair and other islands of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands is fully operational, with current bandwidth utilization at 243.31 Gbps.
Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI)
- About: The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) is an independent statutory body established in 1997 under Telecom Regulatory Authority of India Act, 1997 to regulate the telecommunications sector in India
- Composition: Comprises a Chairperson, not more than two whole-time Members, and not more than two part-time Members.
- Key Functions:
- Regulate telecom services, including tariff fixation and revision.
- Ensure quality of service, fair competition, and consumer protection.
- Promote transparency and efficiency in telecom operations.
- Advise the Government on policy and licensing matters in telecom and broadcasting (recommendations are advisory, not binding).
- Foster a level playing field and issue regulations to ensure orderly sectoral growth and India's global digital competitiveness.
- Appellate Authority:
UPSC Civil Services Examination Previous Year Question (PYQ)
Prelims
Q. Consider the following: (2022)
- Aarogya Setu
- CoWIN
- DigiLocker
- DIKSHA
Which of the above are built on top of open-source digital platforms?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2, 3 and 4 only
(c) 1, 3 and 4 only
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
Ans: (d)
8th Edition of Exercise Shakti
18-06-2025
Source: TH
The 8th edition of Exercise Shakti, a joint military exercise between India and France, is scheduled from 18th June to 1st July 2025 at La Cavalerie, France.
- It is a biennial training engagement between the Indian and French Armies, aimed at enhancing interoperability, operational coordination, and military-to-military connect.
- This edition will focus on joint operations in a sub-conventional environment under Chapter VII of the United Nations Charter, with training being conducted in semi-urban terrain.
- UN Chapter VII authorizes military/non-military actions (sanctions, blockades, troop deployment) for international peace enforcement.
- Other joint exercises between France and India: Exercise Varuna (Navy), Exercise Garuda (Air), and Exercise Desert Knight (India, France, and UAE).

ADB Development Financing to Support India
17-12-2025
Source: PIB
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has signed 5 loan agreements with India to finance development projects focusing on skilling, renewable energy, healthcare, urban transport, and sustainable livelihoods.
Asian Development Bank (ADB)
- About: ADB, founded in 1966, is a regional development bank with a mission to foster a prosperous, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable Asia and the Pacific, while also striving to eradicate extreme poverty in the region.
- The ADB also has an official observer status at the United Nations.
- Functions: ADB aids its member countries and partners by offering loans, technical assistance, grants, and equity investments to promote social and economic development.
- Also, ADB provides direct financial assistance to approved private sector projects, financial institutions, and private equity funds.
- Membership: ADB, headquartered in Manila, Philippines, consists of 69 members, of which 50 are from within Asia and the Pacific and 19 outside.
- As of December 2024, ADB’s 5 largest shareholders are Japan and the United States (each with 15.6% of total shares), the People’s Republic of China (6.4%), India (6.3%), and Australia (5.8%).
- ADB and India: India is a founding member of ADB and is its 4th-largest shareholder. The bank's support aligns with India’s goals of robust, climate-resilient, and inclusive growth.
Hepatitis A
17-11-2025
Source: TH
Why in News?
Experts argue that Hepatitis A, now emerging as a major cause of acute liver failure, should be prioritised for inclusion in the Universal Immunisation Programme (UIP) to strengthen national protection against the disease.
What is Hepatitis A?
- About: Hepatitis A is a viral infection that causes inflammation of the liver, triggered by the Hepatitis A virus (HAV). Unlike Hepatitis B and C, it does not cause chronic liver disease, though illness can range from mild to severe.
- Symptoms may include fever, fatigue, nausea, abdominal discomfort, diarrhoea, dark urine, and jaundice.
- Transmission: Hepatitis A spreads through the faecal–oral route, mainly via contaminated food or water or dirty hands.
- Protective antibodies in India have dropped from over 90% two decades ago to below 60% in many urban regions, creating a growing pool of susceptible young people.
- Global Burden: Hepatitis A occurs worldwide and the virus can persist in the environment. In 2016, WHO estimated 7,134 deaths, contributing 0.5% of global viral hepatitis mortality.
- Treatment: There is no specific antiviral treatment for Hepatitis A. Care focuses on symptom relief, hydration, nutrition, and rest.
- Vaccine: Both live-attenuated and inactivated Hepatitis A vaccines provide 90–95% protection, with immunity lasting 15–20 years or lifelong. India’s Biological E’s Biovac-A, a live-attenuated vaccine, has been used for over two decades with excellent safety and efficacy.
What is Hepatitis?
- About: Hepatitis is liver inflammation caused by viral infections, autoimmune disorders, or alcohol/drug toxicity.
- It can be acute, with symptoms like jaundice, fever, and vomiting, or chronic, lasting over six months and potentially progressing to fibrosis, cirrhosis, or liver cancer.
- Causes: Hepatitis can result from hepatotropic viruses (A, B, C, D, E), other viruses like Varicella and SARS-CoV-2, as well as non-viral factors such as alcohol, drugs, autoimmune disorders, and fatty liver disease.
- Hepatitis B vaccines are highly effective in preventing Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection, while no effective vaccine is available for Hepatitis C.

- Types of Hepatitis: There are 5 main hepatitis viruses—A, B, C, D, and E—each capable of causing liver disease but differing in transmission, severity, geographic spread, and prevention.
- Occurrence: Types B and C cause long-term infections and are the major causes of cirrhosis, liver cancer, and viral hepatitis deaths, leading to about 1.3 million deaths each year and affecting 304 million people worldwide.
- Similarly, Hepatitis A is no longer a benign childhood infection; it is an emerging public health concern.
- Without urgent and sustained action, viral hepatitis is projected to cause an additional 9.5 million new infections, 2.1 million liver cancer cases, and 2.8 million deaths by 2030.
- Flagship Initiatives:
- WHO’s Global Health Sector Strategy on HIV, Viral Hepatitis and Sexually Transmitted Infections (2022–2030): The strategy aims to cut new hepatitis infections to 520,000 cases a year and hepatitis-related deaths to 450,000 by 2030, achieving a 90% drop in incidence and 65% drop in mortality from 2015 levels.
- National Viral Hepatitis Control Program (2018): Aims to eliminate Hepatitis C by 2030 and significantly reduce the infected population, morbidity, and mortality from Hepatitis A, B, C, and E across India.
Universal Immunisation Programme (UIP)
- About: Universal Immunization Programme (UIP) is one of India’s most comprehensive public health initiatives, aiming to provide life-saving vaccines to millions of newborns and pregnant women every year.
- Diseases Covered: It offers free immunisation against 12 major diseases.
- At the national level, it includes vaccines for Diphtheria, Pertussis, Tetanus, Polio, Measles, Rubella, Childhood Tuberculosis, Hepatitis B, and Hib-related Meningitis/Pneumonia.
- At the sub-national level, it provides protection against Rotavirus, Pneumococcal Pneumonia, and Japanese Encephalitis.
- Evolution of the UIP: It was initially launched in 1978 as the Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI) and was renamed the Universal Immunisation Programme in 1985 when its coverage expanded from urban areas to rural regions, addressing disparities in healthcare access.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the mode of transmission of Hepatitis A?
Hepatitis A is transmitted through the faecal–oral route, primarily via contaminated food, water, or unclean hands.
2. What is the main goal of the National Viral Hepatitis Control Program (2018)?
The programme aims to eliminate Hepatitis C by 2030 and reduce morbidity and mortality from Hepatitis A, B, C, and E.
3. Which diseases are covered nationally and sub-nationally under the Universal Immunisation Programme (UIP)?
Nationally: Diphtheria, Pertussis, Tetanus, Polio, Measles, Rubella, TB, Hepatitis B, Hib diseases.
Sub-nationally: Rotavirus, Pneumococcal Pneumonia, Japanese Encephalitis
UPSC Previous Year Question (PYQ)
Q. Which one of the following statements is not correct? (2019)
(a) Hepatitis B virus is transmitted much like HIV.
(b) Hepatitis B, unlike Hepatitis C, does not have a vaccine.
(c) Globally, the number of people infected with Hepatitis B and C viruses arc several times more than those infected with HIV.
(d) Some of those infected with Hepatitis B and C viruses do not show the symptoms for many years.
Ans: (b)
Q. 'Mission Indradhanush' launched by the Government of India pertains to: (2016)
(a) Immunization of children and pregnant women
(b) Construction of smart cities across the country
(c) India's own search for Earth-like planets in outer space
(d) New Educational Policy
Ans: (a)
Wholesale Price Index Slips Into Deflation
17-11-2025
Source: FE
Why in News?
India’s Wholesale Price Index (Base Year: 2011–12) fell to a 27-month low in October 2025, slipping into deflation at –1.21%, compared to –0.13% in September. The drop was driven by lower prices of food items and crude petroleum, softer fuel and manufactured goods prices, and the impact of 2025 Goods and Services Tax (GST) reforms.
- Deflation is the opposite of Inflation. It refers to a sustained and general decrease in the overall price levels of goods and services in the economy.
What are the Key Facts About Wholesale Price Index?
- About WPI: WPI tracks the average change in prices at the wholesale level for a fixed basket of goods.
- The prices tracked are ex- factory price for manufactured products, agri-market (mandi) price for agricultural commodities and ex-mines prices for minerals.
- Weights given to each commodity covered in the WPI basket is based on the value of production adjusted for net imports. WPI basket does not cover services.
- Composition of WPI Basket: It covers commodities falling under the three Major Groups namely Primary Articles, Fuel and Power and Manufactured products.
- Primary Articles (Base Year: 2011–12): Includes food articles, non-food articles, minerals, and crude petroleum and natural gas.
- Primary Articles hold the second-highest weight (22.62) in the WPI basket.
- Fuel and Power (Base Year: 2011–12): Covers coal, mineral oils, and electricity.
- Fuel and Power have the lowest weight (13.15) in the WPI basket.
- Manufactured Products (Base Year: 2011–12): Comprises 22 industrial sub-groups.
- Manufactured Products carry the highest weight (64.23) in the WPI basket.
- The WPI Food Index (weight 24.38) tracks price changes of food items at the producer level. It consists of Food Articles from the Primary Articles group and Food Products from the Manufactured Products group.
- Compilation: Provisional monthly WPI for All Commodities is released on 14th of every month (next working day, if 14th is holiday).
- Treatment of Imports and Exports: WPI covers all transactions at the first point of bulk sale, with item weights based on domestic production plus net imports.
- The only exception is crude oil, where only domestic production is counted because imports are far larger, crude itself isn’t traded in India’s wholesale market, and its petroleum derivatives are already included under fuel and power.
- Importance of WPI: WPI helps monitor price movements across the economy and acts as a key deflator for converting nominal GDP and other variables into real values.
- It guides trade, fiscal and economic policies and is widely used in escalation clauses for long-term contracts in sectors like construction and machinery. Businesses and analysts also rely on it for price adjustments.
- Difference Between WPI and CPI: WPI captures wholesale price changes, while consumer price index (CPI) measures retail-level price changes faced by consumers.
- WPI signals early shifts in commodity prices, whereas CPI is more relevant for assessing the cost of living.
- CPI is released by the Ministry of Statistics & Programme Implementation (MoSPI), while WPI is published by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What does Wholesale Price Index(WPI) measure?
WPI tracks the average change in wholesale-level prices for a fixed basket of goods, covering primary articles, fuel and power, and manufactured products.
2. Who releases the WPI?
It is compiled and released monthly by the Office of the Economic Adviser, DPIIT, under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
3. Why is crude oil treated differently in WPI?
Only domestic production is counted because crude isn’t traded in the domestic wholesale market and its imports far exceed local output.
4. What makes WPI different from Consumer Price Index (CPI)?
WPI measures wholesale price changes, while CPI reflects retail prices and cost of living; CPI is released by MoSPI.
UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Question (PYQ)
Prelims
Q. Consider the following statements: (2020)
- The weightage of food in Consumer Price Index (CPI) is higher than that in Wholesale Price Index (WPI).
- The WPI does not capture changes in the prices of services, which CPI does.
- Reserve Bank of India has now adopted WPI as its key measure of inflation and to decide on changing the key policy rates.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 only
(c) 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Ans: (a)
Ambaji Marble Earns GI Tag
17-11-2025
Source: TH
Ambaji marble from Gujarat has been granted the Geographical Indication (GI) tag, recognising its unique white stone and strengthening its cultural, industrial and global identity.
- Origin: Ambaji marble quarried in Ambaji town of Banaskantha district, Gujarat, a major pilgrimage site and Shaktipeeth.
- Unique Qualities: It is known for its pure white colour, exceptional shine, high calcium content and remarkable durability.
- Its durability is often compared to other historical stones, including those used in the Taj Mahal and it is widely used in temples and sacred architecture, it is valued for both its aesthetic appeal and strength.
- Significance: Ambaji marble is exported for temple architecture to cities such as Miami, Los Angeles, Boston, and to countries like New Zealand and England.
- The marble mines of Ambaji are believed to be 1,200–1,500 years old and were used in the construction of the Dilwara Jain Temple in Mount Abu.
- Implications of GI Tag: A GI tag is a type of Intellectual property right (IPR) that identifies products with qualities linked to a specific region and protects them from imitation.
Marble
- Marble is a metamorphic rock formed when limestone undergoes high heat and pressure, causing its calcite to recrystallise into a denser mass of interlocking crystals.
- Mostly made of calcite (CaCO₃) and may include clay, mica, quartz, pyrite, iron oxides or graphite. Marble colours come from small impurities present during metamorphism.
How do I track my order? +
Once your order has shipped, you will receive an email with a tracking number. You can use this number on the carrier's website to track your package. You can also find the tracking information in your account dashboard under "Order History".
What is your return policy? +
We accept returns within 30 days of purchase. Items must be in their original, unused condition with all tags attached.
To start a return, please visit our returns portal or contact customer support with your order number.
Do you offer international shipping? +
Yes, we ship to over 50 countries. Shipping rates and times vary by destination. Please proceed to checkout to see the available options for your location.
Mahe: Indigenous Anti-submarine Warfare Vessel
17-11-2025
Source:PIB
India is set to commission Mahe at the Naval Dockyard, Mumbai, marking a significant step forward in indigenous naval shipbuilding and maritime defence preparedness.
- Class: Mahe, the first vessel of the Mahe-class Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW-SWC), built by Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL), Kochi, under India’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative.
- It features over 80% indigenous components, showcasing India’s growing naval manufacturing capability.
- Role: Designed for high-speed littoral operations, including submarine hunting and coastal patrol.
- Capabilities: Combines stealth, mobility and precision, ideal for securing India’s near-shore maritime zones.
- Symbolism: Named after the historic coastal town of Mahe on the Malabar Coast in the Union Territory of Puducherry, the ship’s crest features an Urumi, the flexible sword used in Kalaripayattu, symbolising agility, precision and lethal grace.
- Significance: It marks the arrival of a new generation of Indian shallow-water combatants, boosting coastal defence capabilities.
Madagascar
17-10-2025
Source: IE
Madagascar's armed forces have taken control of the government, ousting the incumbent President following a youth (Gen Z) led rebellion over economic crises and governance failures. It has experienced frequent military-backed power shifts since 1960, with the last major unrest in 2009.
- About: It is an island nation in the Indian Ocean, bordered by the Mozambique Channel to the west and neighboring Comoros, Réunion islands, and Mauritius.
- Geography: The 4th-largest island in the world, it features lush rainforests, dry deserts, grassy plains, and coastal coral reefs and mangrove forests.
- Nature & Wildlife: Nearly 90% of flora and fauna are endemic, due to ocean isolation.
- Famous species: Lemurs (including silky sifakas and aye-ayes), giant leaf-tailed geckos, spider tortoises, Dumeril's boas, Madagascan plovers.
- Marine life: Humpback whales and pygmy blue whales along coasts.
- National tree: Baobab tree, notable for water-storing trunk.
- History: France invaded Madagascar in 1883, making it a colony in 1896. After the 1947 Malagasy Uprising, the island gained independence in 1960.
- People & Culture: About 80% of the population depends on agriculture, growing coffee, vanilla, and sugarcane, with rice as the staple food.
- Music is important in its culture, with the valiha, a tube zither made from bamboo, as the national instrument.

Green Crackers
17-10-2025
Source:TH
The Supreme Court of India has relaxed the year-long blanket ban on fireworks in Delhi-NCR, allowing the sale and use of green crackers approved by National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (NEERI) and Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation (PESO) during Deepavali 2025.
- The court called it a “test case” to balance festivals with pollution control, noting blanket bans led to smuggling and use of harmful fireworks.
- Green Crackers: Designed to reduce air pollution by modifying traditional formulations. They achieve this through smaller shell sizes, elimination of ash, reduced raw material use, and addition of dust suppressants.
- They ensure at least 30% reduction in particulate matter (PM) or 20% PM reduction plus 10% reduction in gaseous emissions (SO₂ and NO₂) compared to conventional crackers.
- Green crackers can be of two types:
- Improved Fireworks: Modified existing crackers with cleaner compositions.
- New Formulation Fireworks: Developed with new materials and compositions to further cut emissions.
- In Arjun Gopal vs Union of India (2018), the Supreme Court banned non-certified firecrackers with barium salts and allowed only PESO-approved green crackers meeting reduced-emission standards.
Tomahawk Missiles
17-10-2025
Source: IE
Why in News?
The U.S. President has indicated that Washington may consider supplying long-range Tomahawk cruise missiles to Ukraine if Russia does not undertake credible measures to de-escalate the ongoing conflict.
What are Tomahawk Missiles?
- About: The Tomahawk is a long-range, all-weather, subsonic cruise missile. It can be launched from ships and submarines for precision strikes on high-value or heavily defended targets.
- The missile’s low-altitude flight path and advanced guidance systems allow it to evade radar and navigate complex terrain.
- Propulsion: The missile fires a solid propellant at launch, then runs on a turbofan that emits minimal heat, so it’s hard to spot with infrared sensors.
- Guidance Systems: Uses GPS, Inertial Navigation System (INS), TERCOM (terrain mapping), and DSMAC (digital scene matching) for high precision.
- Modern variants allow mid-flight reprogramming, enabling real-time target adjustments or mission aborts.
What is the Difference Between a Cruise Missile and a Ballistic Missile?
|
Parameter
|
Cruise Missile
|
Ballistic Missile
|
|
Trajectory
|
Follows a comparatively straight and controlled trajectory.
|
Travels in a projectile path; trajectory depends on gravity, air resistance, and Coriolis Force.
|
|
Flight Path
|
Remains within the Earth’s atmosphere throughout its flight.
|
Leaves the Earth’s atmosphere and re-enters it.
|
|
Range
|
Short-range missile
|
Long-range missile
|
|
Indian Examples
|
BrahMos, Nirbhay, LRLACM
|
Prithvi I & II, Agni series, Dhanush. Shaurya, K-15 (Sagarika), K-4 (Submarine-launched).
|
|
Global Examples
|
Tomahawk (USA), Kalibr (Russia), CJ-10 (China), Babur (Pakistan).
|
Minuteman III (USA), DF-41 (China), RS-24 Yars (Russia), Shaheen-II (Pakistan).
|
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are Tomahawk missiles and who uses them?
Long-range, subsonic cruise missiles used by US, UK, Australia; launched from ships/submarines for precision strikes on high-value targets.
2. What are the key features of cruise missiles?
Fly within the atmosphere, guided, subsonic or supersonic, powered throughout, highly accurate, range up to ~2,000 km, carry conventional or nuclear warheads.
3. What are the key features of ballistic missiles?
Follow a parabolic trajectory, exit and re-enter the atmosphere, long-range (300–12,000 km), less accurately, carry conventional or nuclear warheads.
UPSC Civil Services Examination Previous Year Question (PYQ)
Q. Consider the following statements : (2023)
- Ballistic missiles are jet-propelled at subsonic speeds throughout their flights, while cruise missiles are rocketpowered only in the initial phase of flights.
- Agni-V is a medium-range supersonic cruise missile, while BrahMos is a solid-fuelled intercontinental ballistic missile.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Explanation: (d)
Q. What is “Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD)”, sometimes seen in the news? (2018)
(a) An Israeli radar system
(b) India’s indigenous anti-missile programme
(c) An American anti-missile system
(d) A defence collaboration between Japan and South Korea.
Ans: (c)
Indigenous Military Combat Parachute System
17-10-2025
Source: PIB
The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has successfully tested the indigenously developed Military Combat Parachute System (MCPS) from a record altitude of 32,000 feet, marking a major milestone in indigenous defence innovation and self-reliance.
- Development: MCPS is developed by DRDO’s Aerial Delivery Research & Development Establishment (Agra) and Defence Bioengineering & Electromedical Laboratory (Bengaluru).
- High-Altitude Capability: It is the only parachute system in operational use by the Indian Armed Forces capable of functioning above 25,000 feet.
- Navigation Security: Integrated with Navigation with Indian Constellation (NavIC), MCPS provides secure, interference-free operations and resilience against external jamming or denial-of-service threats.
- Advanced Features: Designed with a lower descent rate, superior steering control, accurate navigation, and pre-determined landing zone deployment, ensuring greater paratrooper safety and mission efficiency.
- Strategic Importance: MCPS enhances operational autonomy, reduces dependency on foreign systems, and ensures quicker maintenance turnaround during wartime or emergencies.
Aluminium-ion Battery
17-09-2025
Source-PIB
The Centre for Nano and Soft Matter Sciences (CeNS), Bengaluru, have developed a flexible aqueous aluminum-ion battery as a safe and sustainable alternative to lithium-ion batteries commonly used in phones, laptops, electric vehicles, etc.
Aluminium-ion Battery
- Material Used: The battery uses aluminum, one of the most abundant and eco-friendly metals, combined with a water-based electrolyte, making it cheaper, non-explosive, and environmentally safe.
- Components: It consists of a copper hexacyanoferrate (CuHCFe) cathode (Positive electrode) pre-filled with aluminum ions and a molybdenum trioxide (MoO₃) anode (negative electrode).
- Performance: The battery remains capable even after 150 charge–discharge cycles, and can continuously power devices while being folded.
- It is designed to be flexible enough to bend or fold like paper without losing performance.
- Applications: Opens up avenues for flexible smartphones, wearable devices and safer electric vehicles.
- This development positions India at the forefront of sustainable and next-generation energy storage solutions aligned with global climate and environmental goals.
- Challenges: Slow diffusion of Al³⁺ ions and potential structural collapse of materials like graphite limit cycle stability.
- Aluminum anodes suffer from corrosion, which can impact the longevity of the battery.
Lithium-ion Battery
- It is a rechargeable battery in which lithium ions travel between a negative electrode (graphite) and a positive electrode (Li transitional metal oxides) via a non-aqueous electrolyte during the charging and discharging process.
- It stores more energy in a compact form and offers longer cycles between charges.
- Unlike older lead-acid batteries, it is lighter and uses less toxic Li and carbon electrodes.
Freedom Fighter Hemam Neelmani Singh
17-07-2025
Source: IE
Union Home Minister recently paid tribute to Hemam Neelmani Singh, a prominent freedom fighter from Manipur associated with the Indian National Army (INA), during a posthumous felicitation event organized by the Bharat Vikas Parishad.
Hemam Neelmani Singh
- About: Hemam Neelmani Singh was a freedom fighter, social reformer, and former Deputy Education Minister of Manipur. He played a crucial role in India’s independence struggle, especially in the Northeast, and contributed significantly to post-independence educational and linguistic reforms.
- Early Life & Role in INA:
- Born in 1915, Singh was influenced by a blend of Gandhian and Bose principles but was more oriented towards the principles of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose and joined the INA in 1944.
- He played a key role in the Battle of Imphal, 1944 and the unfurling of the Indian tricolour at Moirang on 14th April 1944, the first time it was raised on Indian soil.
- He evaded arrest until 1945, was later imprisoned by the British, and released in 1946.
- Post-Independence Contributions:
- As Deputy Education Minister of Manipur, he led key initiatives in education reform and women's empowerment, advocating for improved access to higher education.
- Donated his residence at Moirang Konjengbam for use as the INA headquarters.
- Promoted Hindi as a unifying language in Manipur to foster national integration, and lived austerely, eating only one meal a day until the Science stream was introduced at Moirang College.
- Legacy: Often remembered alongside Mairembam Koireng Singh (Manipur’s first Chief Minister) as inseparable figures in the state’s freedom movement, Hemam Neelmani Singh was posthumously honored by the Bharat Vikas Parishad and the Government of Manipur for his contributions.
Bharat Vikas Parishad
- Bharat Vikas Parishad is a voluntary organisation inspired by Swami Vivekananda, originally founded as the Citizens Council by Lala Hans Raj and Suraj Prakash during the 1962 India-China war to mobilize public support.
- It was renamed Bharat Vikas Parishad in 1963.
Freedom Fighters from North-East India

4 Members Nominated to Rajya Sabha
17-07-2025
Source: IE
Why in News?
The President of India has nominated 4 persons (Harsh Vardhan Shringla, Ujjwal Nikam, Meenakshi Jain, and C. Sadanandan Master) to the Rajya Sabha under the category of 12 seats reserved for distinguished experts in literature, science, art, and social service.
Key Facts About 4 Nominated Personalities to Rajya Sabha
- Harsh Vardhan Shringla: Former Foreign Secretary and 1984-batch IFS officer; served as Ambassador to the US, Thailand, and High Commissioner to Bangladesh.
- Played a key role in the "Howdy Modi" event (2019) and was the Chief Coordinator of India’s G20 Presidency (2023). Known for expertise in strategic affairs, multilateral diplomacy, and foreign policy formulation.
- Ujjwal Nikam: Special Public Prosecutor in major cases like the 26/11 Mumbai attacks, 1993 Bombay blasts, and Khairlanji massacre.
- Known for his tough stance on terrorism, courtroom skills, and commitment to justice.
- Meenakshi Jain: Former Delhi University professor with 30+ years of teaching. Authored NCERT Medieval History textbook.
- She is also a Padma Shri awardee (2020), ex-member of Indian Council of Historical Research (ICHR), affiliated with Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR).
- Known for contributions to Indian civilisation, religious identity, and alternative historiography.
- C. Sadanandan Master: A former teacher, columnist, and political leader from Kerala, he survived a brutal political attack in 1994 that left him physically disabled.
What is the Procedure of Elections for Members to the Rajya Sabha?
- About Rajya Sabha: The Rajya Sabha (Council of States), is the upper house of the Indian Parliament constituted under Article 80 of the Constitution.
- It was first constituted in 1952, is a permanent body and is not subject to dissolution. However, one-third of its members retire every 2 years, and they are eligible for re-election or renomination without any limit.
- While the Constitution does not specify the term of its members, the Representation of the People Act, 1951 prescribes a 6-year term for each member.
- Members of RS: The Rajya Sabha can have a maximum of 250 members, of which 238 are indirectly elected by the elected members of State and Union Territory Legislative Assemblies, and 12 are nominated by the President under Article 80(1)(a).
- As per Article 80(3), the nominated members must possess special knowledge or practical experience in literature, science, art, or social service.
- While sports is not explicitly mentioned, it has been included under "art" by interpretation, leading to nominations of personalities like Sachin Tendulkar and Mary Kom.
- Indirect Election in Rajya Sabha:
- Electoral College: Rajya Sabha members representing states are elected indirectly only by the elected members of the State Legislative Assemblies (MLAs) through proportional representation using the Single Transferable Vote (STV) system.
- Nominated MLAs and Members of Legislative Councils (MLCs) do not have voting rights in these elections.
- Seat Allocation by Population: Rajya Sabha seats are allotted to states based on their population.
- For example Uttar Pradesh has 31 seats and Goa has only 1 seat.
- Election Procedure:
- Proportional Representation with STV: Rajya Sabha members are elected by elected MLAs through the STV system using proportional representation. The vote (quota) to win is calculated as:
- Quota = (Total valid votes ÷ (Seats to be filled + 1)) + 1
- Preferential Voting System: MLAs rank candidates in order of preference (1, 2, 3…). A candidate meeting the quota with first preference votes is declared elected. Surplus votes are transferred to next preferences.
- Elimination & Transfer: If no one meets the quota, the candidate with the fewest votes is eliminated, and their votes are transferred to remaining candidates based on preferences. This continues until all seats are filled.
Cross-Voting & Legal Safeguards
- To curb cross-voting in Rajya Sabha elections, the Representation of the People Act, 1951 was amended in 2003 to introduce the open ballot system. Party MLAs must show their marked ballot to the party’s authorised agent, else the vote is invalid.
- Independent MLAs are prohibited from revealing their vote. This ensures transparency and enforces party discipline.
- Cross voting occurs when a member of a legislative body votes for a candidate or party outside their own political affiliation.
Special Powers to Rajya Sabha
- RS enjoys certain special powers under the Constitution that are not available to the Lok Sabha.
- Under Article 249, it can authorize Parliament to legislate on subjects in the State List if it is deemed necessary in the national interest. Additionally, under Article 312, it can authorize the creation of new All-India Services common to both the Centre and the States.
UPSC Civil Services Examination Previous Year Question (PYQ)
Q. Rajya Sabha has equal powers with Lok Sabha in: (2020)
A. the matter of creating new All India Services
B. amending the Constitution
C. the removal of the government
D. making cut motion
Ans: (B)
Q. Which of the following statements is/are correct? (2016)
- A Bill pending in the Lok Sabha lapses on its prorogation.
- A Bill pending in the Rajya Sabha, which has not been passed by the Lok Sabha shall not lapse on dissolution of the Lok Sabha.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
A. 1 only
B. 2 only
C. Both 1 and 2
D. Neither 1 nor 2
Ans: (B)
Q. Consider the following statements: (2015)
- The Rajya Sabha has no power either to reject or to amend a Money Bill.
- The Rajya Sabha cannot vote on the Demands for Grants.
- The Rajya Sabha cannot discuss the Annual Financial Statement.
Which of the statements given above is/ are correct?
A. 1 only
B. 1 and 2 only
C. 2 and 3 only
D. 1, 2 and 3
Ans: (B)
50 Years of Crocodile Conservation Project and World Crocodile Day
17-06-2025
Source: TH
On World Crocodile Day (17th June), India commemorates 50 years of its Crocodile Conservation Project (CCP) (1975–2025), with Odisha emerging as the epicentre of this pioneering ecological effort.
- Odisha is the only Indian state to host wild populations of all three native crocodilian species (Gharial (Gavialis gangeticus), Mugger crocodile (Crocodylus palustris) and Saltwater crocodile (Crocodylus porosus)).
- Crocodile Conservation Project: India launched its CCP at Odisha’s Bhitarkanika National Park with support from United Nations Development Programme and the Food and Agriculture Organisation.
- It adopted the “rear and release” method, created protected habitats like Bhitarkanika and Satkosia Tiger Reserve, and promoted captive breeding and community awareness, making it a national model for crocodilian conservation.
- Crocodiles: They are the largest surviving reptiles, primarily inhabit freshwater swamps, lakes, and rivers, with one saltwater species.
- They are nocturnal and poikilothermic (also known as ectotherms or cold-blooded animals, are characterized by their body temperature fluctuating with the surrounding environment).
- Their survival is threatened by habitat destruction, egg predation, poaching, dam construction, and sand mining.
- Population: India hosts nearly 80% of the global wild gharial population, with around 3,000 individuals across sites like National Chambal Sanctuary, Katarnia Ghat, and Son Gharial Sanctuary.
- The saltwater crocodile population has recovered to about 2,500, mainly in Bhitarkanika, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, and the Sundarbans.

India’s PM Historic Visit to Cyprus
17-06-2025
Source: TH
India’s Prime Minister’s visit to Cyprus — the first by an Indian Prime Minister in 23 years — marks a significant step in bolstering bilateral relations, with a focus on energy security, counterterrorism cooperation, and India-EU strategic alignment.
- About Cyprus:
- Location: Cyprus is a Eurasian island country located in the northeast Mediterranean Sea at the crossroads of Europe, Asia, and Africa.
- It is the 3rd largest Mediterranean island after Sicily and Sardinia.

- Historical Background: Cyprus gained independence from Britain in 1960, but the 1974 Turkish invasion led to its partition into the Turkish-controlled north (recognized only by Turkey) and the Republic of Cyprus in the south.
- The UN patrols the Green Line, maintaining peace between the divided regions.
- Political Division: It is politically divided between the Republic of Cyprus (internationally recognized and an European Union (EU) member) and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus.
- Geography: It has a Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and wet winters and rainfall critical for agriculture.
- India-Cyprus Relation: India and Cyprus established diplomatic ties in 1962. India supports a bi-zonal, bi-communal federation for the Cyprus issue, in line with UNSC resolutions, and international law.
- Archbishop Makarios (Cyprus's first President) and Pandit Nehru were pioneers of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM).
- Cyprus’s consistent support for India’s UNSC bid, NSG membership, and stance on Kashmir and terrorism makes India’s engagement with Cyprus a strategic counterbalance to growing Turkey-Pakistan military ties.
Shipki La Pass
17-06-2025
Source: TH
Shipki La Pass (3,930m) in Himachal’s Kinnaur district, along the India-China border has been opened to domestic tourists to boost borderland economies, enhance strategic connectivity, and promote cultural tourism.
Shipki La Pass
- Shipki La is a motorable mountain pass which marks a boundary post on the Line of Actual Control (LAC) and is among India’s highest motorable passes.
- The Sutlej River (Langqen Zangbo in Tibet) enters India through this pass, which historically served as a key Indo-Tibetan trade route.
- The pass was earlier known as Pema La or Shared Gate and was renamed Shipki La by the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) after 1962.
- It has been a vital trade route since the 5th century, which ceased after the 1962 Sino-India War, post-Doklam standoff and Covid-19.
- Shipki La facilitated India-Tibet trade, with imports like wool, livestock, yak products, religious items, and minerals, and exports of grains, spices, tobacco, timber, and metal tools.
Mountain Passes
- Passes are natural low points or gaps in mountain ranges that facilitate the movement of people, goods, and armies across otherwise difficult terrain.
- They are formed by erosion, glaciation, or tectonic activity and serve as connectors between valleys or regions, historically enabling trade, migration, and military movement, with strategic, economic, and cultural significance.

MHA’s New SOP on Cyber Financial Frauds
17-01-2026
Source: IE
Why in News?
In a major step to strengthen India’s cybercrime response, the Ministry of Home Affairs has approved a new Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for handling cyber financial frauds under the National Cybercrime Reporting Portal (NCRP).
- The move aims to ensure faster refund of defrauded money, especially in small-value cases, and improve victim-centric grievance redressal.
What is the New SOP on Cyber Financial Frauds?
- About: The new SOP for cyber financial fraud cases under the Cyber Financial Crime Reporting and Management System (CFCFRMS) is implemented through the National Cybercrime Reporting Portal and coordinated by the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre.
- It provides a uniform, pan-India framework for handling online financial fraud.
- Core Objective: SOP aims to ensure quick freezing of fraudulent transactions, faster restoration of money to victims, and accountability of financial intermediaries, while shifting cybercrime response towards a victim-centric and time-bound model.
- Reliefs Under SOP: For frauds below Rs 50,000, refunds can be processed without a court order.
- If no court or restoration order exists, banks must lift the freeze within 90 days, preventing indefinite blocking of funds.
- Need: India lost over Rs 52,000 crore to cyber frauds in six years, victims often faced delays, prolonged account freezes, and lack of clarity.
- The SOP addresses these systemic gaps and strengthens trust in the digital payments ecosystem.
- Standardise Processes Across Institutions: The SOP lays down a common procedure for banks, NBFCs, payment aggregators, e-commerce platforms, stock-trading apps, and mutual fund houses, ensuring consistency, faster coordination, and reduced ambiguity in handling cyber fraud complaints.
- Digital Systems: Following two new modules will be developed under NCRP, which will improve coordination between financial institutions, law enforcement agencies, and victims.
- Grievance Redressal Module for tracking and resolving complaints.
- Money Restoration Module for faster refund of defrauded amounts.
National Cybercrime Reporting Portal (NCRP)
- The NCRP under the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre, was dedicated to the nation in 2020. Unlike the earlier CCPWC portal, which covered only child sexual abuse and rape-related content, the revamped NCRP enables reporting of all types of cybercrime across India through a single platform.
- Key features include nationwide cybercrime reporting, special focus on online Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM), case-status tracking, multi-level monitoring dashboards, and support through Cyber Volunteers and the Vani–CyberDost chatbot.
- The NCRP integrates the Citizen Financial Cyber Fraud Reporting and Management System (CFCFRMS), which connects 85+ banks and payment intermediaries and enables reporting of financial frauds via the 1930 national helpline, allowing swift coordination between law enforcement agencies, banks, RBI, NPCI, and other stakeholders to prevent fund siphoning and restore losses.
Note: In another development, the Union government has set up a high-level inter-departmental committee under the Ministry of Home Affairs to tackle the growing menace of “digital arrest” scams, which have already led to losses of around Rs 3,000 crore based on reported complaints alone and have disproportionately affected the elderly and vulnerable.
- The committee brings together key agencies like the Reserve Bank of India and the Central Bureau of Investigation, and has engaged platforms such as Google and WhatsApp to plug real-time enforcement gaps, stop police and court impersonation, and tighten safeguards against large-scale fraud.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the new SOP on cyber financial frauds?
It is a uniform, pan-India procedure approved by the MHA to handle cyber financial fraud cases through NCRP and CFCFRMS.
2. What major relief does the SOP provide to victims?
For frauds below Rs 50,000, refunds can be processed without a court order, and banks must lift fund freezes within 90 days if no order exists.
3. Which institutions are covered under the SOP?
Banks, NBFCs, payment aggregators, e-commerce platforms, stock-trading apps, and mutual fund houses.
4. Why is NCRP important in India’s cybercrime framework?
NCRP enables nationwide reporting of all cybercrimes, integrates CFCFRMS, and connects 85+ banks and intermediaries via the 1930 helpline for swift action.
UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Questions (PYQs)
Prelims
Q1. In India, under cyber insurance for individuals, which of the following benefits are generally covered, in addition to payment for the loss of funds and other benefits? (2020)
- Cost of restoration of the computer system in case of malware disrupting access to one’s computer
- Cost of a new computer if some miscreant wilfully damages it, if proved so
- Cost of hiring a specialised consultant to minimise the loss in case of cyber extortion
- Cost of defence in the Court of Law if any third party files a suit
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) 1, 2 and 4 only
(b) 1, 3 and 4 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
Ans: (b)
Q.2 In India, it is legally mandatory for which of the following to report on cyber security incidents? (2017)
- Service providers
- Data centres
- Body corporate
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) 1 only
(b) 1 and 2 only
(c) 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Ans: (d)
Mains
Q. What are the different elements of cyber security ? Keeping in view the challenges in cyber security, examine the extent to which India has successfully developed a comprehensive National Cyber Security Strategy. (2022)
China’s Entry In Spice Market
17-01-2026
Source: ET
China has begun cultivating and exporting chillies and cumin, two of India’s most critical spice exports, at lower and more competitive prices, posing a potential challenge to India’s long-standing dominance as the world’s largest spice supplier.
- Chillies form the backbone of India’s spice exports, accounting for over 25% of total export volume and value. Cumin, meanwhile, is among the most in-demand high-value spices, particularly in West Asia, Europe, and the Americas, where it is widely used in food processing and culinary applications.
- Export Performance: In 2024–25, India recorded strong growth in spice export volumes, with chilli powder exports rising 35% to 80.6 million kg and total chilli exports increasing 19% to over 700,000 tonnes, compared to 15% growth in 2023–24.
- Price Pressure: Despite higher volumes, chilli export earnings declined 11% due to severe global price pressure, even as cumin exports surged 39% to 2.29 lakh tonnes from 1.65 lakh tonnes in 2023–24.
- China’s Strategy: China is strengthening its presence in the global spice market by focusing on high-demand chilli varieties such as paprika (for colour and mild flavour) and Teja chilli (for high pungency and pharmaceutical use), while importing raw Indian chillies, processing them domestically, and re-exporting finished products to third-country markets at competitive prices.
- Impact on Indian Agriculture: India is simultaneously facing supply-side challenges:
- Chilli acreage has declined by nearly 35% in Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Karnataka, the country’s key chilli-producing states. Cumin cultivation area has fallen by 7–8%.
- These declines are driven by weather-related crop losses and persistently low export prices, which have discouraged farmers from sowing chillies and cumin, particularly during the kharif season.
Guidelines for Virtual Digital Assets
17-01-2026
Source: TOI
Why in News?
The Financial Intelligence Unit–India (FIU-IND) has introduced stringent new Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Know Your Customer (KYC) guidelines for Virtual Digital Assets (VDAs) service providers to curb financial crimes in India’s cryptocurrency ecosystem.
What are the New FIU-IND Guidelines for Virtual Digital Assets?
- Enhanced Verification: Mandatory live selfie with liveliness detection (eye-blink/head movement) and geographic tracking (latitude, longitude, timestamp, IP) during user onboarding to prevent static/deepfake fraud.
- Multi-Layer KYC: Requires PAN + secondary ID (Aadhaar/Passport/Voter ID), OTP verification for email/mobile, and “penny-drop” bank account confirmation via a Rs 1 transaction.
- Risk-Based Monitoring: KYC updates every 6 months for high-risk clients and annually for others; enhanced due diligence for entities linked to tax havens, FATF grey/black lists, politically exposed persons (PEPs) or non-profit organisations (NPOs).
- Crackdown on Opaque Instruments: Strongly discourages Initial Coin Offerings (ICOs) and Initial Token Offerings (ITOs) and prohibits facilitation of anonymity-enhancing crypto tumblers and mixers.
- Crypto tumblers and mixers are services that enhance transaction privacy by pooling and scrambling funds from multiple users, then redistributing them to break the traceable link on the public blockchain ledger.
- Regulatory Compliance: Crypto exchanges must register as PMLA reporting entities, maintain 5-year client/transaction records, and report suspicious transactions to the FIU.
- A cryptocurrency exchange is a digital platform that allows users to buy, sell, and trade cryptocurrencies for other digital assets or traditional fiat money. E.g., Coinbase.
What are Virtual Digital Assets (VDAs)?
- About: VDAs are digitally represented values using cryptographic technology that have been formally defined and regulated in India to address taxation, financial integrity, and money-laundering risks amid their rapid growth.
- Key Types of VDAs:
- Cryptocurrencies: Digital currencies used as a medium of exchange.
- Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs): Unique digital assets representing ownership of art, collectibles, or virtual goods.
- Utility Tokens: Provide access to specific services or platforms within a blockchain ecosystem.
- Asset/Security Tokens: Represent ownership or stake in real-world assets.
- Legal Definition in India: Statutorily defined under Section 2(47A) of the Income Tax Act, 1961, inserted by the Finance Act, 2022.
- Includes any information, code, number, or token (excluding Indian and foreign currency) generated through cryptographic means, representing digital value.
- Explicitly covers Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs) and any other digital asset notified by the Central Government. Primarily encompasses cryptocurrencies (Bitcoin, Ethereum), NFTs, and similar tokens.
- Regulatory and Taxation Framework in India:
- Taxation: 30% flat tax on income from transfer of VDAs (effective from 1st April 2022). No deductions allowed except cost of acquisition; losses cannot be set off or carried forward.
- 1% TDS applicable on specified transactions under Section 194S of the Income Tax Act, 1961.
- Anti-Money Laundering Oversight: Since March 2023, VDA activities are covered under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002 (PMLA). Crypto exchanges and wallet providers are treated as reporting entities and must register with FIU-IND.
Financial Intelligence Unit – India (FIU-IND)
- About: FIU-IND is India’s central agency responsible for receiving, analysing, and disseminating financial intelligence to combat money laundering and terrorist financing in India.
- Institutional Status: Functions under the Department of Revenue, Ministry of Finance, and derives its powers from the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002 (PMLA). Reports directly to the Economic Intelligence Council (EIC), chaired by the Finance Minister.
- Regulatory Role in Crypto Sector: The FIU-IND is the single-point regulator for cryptocurrency exchanges under the PMLA, requiring mandatory registration, KYC compliance, and reporting of suspicious transactions.
- Crypto is not legal tender in India but is taxable under the Income-Tax law.

UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Question (PYQ)
Q. With reference to “Blockchain Technology”, consider the following statements: (2020)
- It is a public ledger that everyone can inspect, but which no single user controls.
- The structure and design of blockchain is such that all the data in it are about cryptocurrency only.
- Applications that depend on basic features of blockchain can be developed without anybody’s permission.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 1 and 2 only
(c) 2 only
(d) 1 and 3 only
Ans: (d)
Q. Consider the following pairs: (2018)
Terms sometimes seen in news Context/Topic
- Belle II experiment — Artificial Intelligence
- Blockchain technology —Digital/ Cryptocurrency
- CRISPR – Cas9 —Particle Physics
Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched?
(a) 1 and 3 only
(b) 2 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Ans: (b)
Rani Ahilyabai Holkar
17-01-2026
Source: IE
An inquiry has been ordered into allegations that a structure containing a statue of Devi Ahilyabai Holkar was demolished during renovation work at Manikarnika Ghat in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh.
- The Manikarnika Ghat renovation project, undertaken under a private company’s CSR initiative, aims to modernise facilities and address environmental issues.
Rani Ahilyabai Holkar
- Birth & Background: Ahilyabai was born on 31st May 1725 in Chondi, Ahmednagar (Maharashtra), her father, Mankoji Rao Shinde, was the village head.
- Marriage & Early Life: She was married to Khanderao Holkar in 1733, the son of Malhar Rao Holkar, the ruler of Malwa and the founder of the Holkar dynasty.
- Ahilyabai was widowed in 1745 after Khanderao died in the siege of Kumher Fort.
- Malhar Rao Holkar prevented Ahilyabai from committing sati and trained her in military and administrative matters.
- Ascension to Power: After the death of Malhar Rao Holkar in 1766 and her son Male Rao Holkar in 1767, Ahilyabai Holkar took charge of Malwa and became the ruler of Indore in 1767.
- She appointed Tukoji Rao Holkar as army commander and made Maheshwar in Madhya Pradesh the Holkar dynasty’s capital.
- Contributions: Ahilyabai Holkar rebuilt the Kashi Vishwanath and Somnath temples in the 18th century, restoring key Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva, and patronised scholars such as Khushali Ram, Marathi poet Moropant, and Shahir Anantaphandi.
- She holds deep cultural importance in Varanasi and is revered by the Pal (Gadariya) community as an ancestral figure, with her birth anniversary actively celebrated.
- She also promoted women’s education, widow remarriage, and opposed practices like sati, while uplifting the Bhil and Gond tribes and lower castes.
- She made Maheshwar and Indore major trade hubs, promoting the Maheshwari weaving industry and making Maheshwari sarees renowned across India, now registered with a Geographical Indication (GI) tag.

World’s First Repository of Mountain Ice Cores
17-01-2026
Source: TOI
Recently, scientists inaugurated the world’s first global repository of mountain ice cores at Concordia Research Station on the Antarctic Plateau to preserve vital climate records threatened by rapid glacier loss due to global warming.
- The facility, known as the Ice Memory Sanctuary, has been developed by the Ice Memory Foundation, a consortium of European research institutions from France, Italy, and Switzerland.
- The ice vault is a cave carved into compacted snow and maintained at a constant temperature of around –52°C, ensuring long-term preservation of ice cores for future scientific research.
- The first ice cores stored in the sanctuary were drilled from Mont Blanc in France and the Grand Combin massif in Switzerland, and transported to Antarctica over a 50-day journey using refrigerated ships and aircraft.
- Ice cores act as atmospheric time capsules, formed through long-term compaction of snow and preserving traces of gases, aerosols, dust, pollutants, and other indicators of past climate conditions.
- These samples enable scientists to reconstruct historical changes in climate, including atmospheric composition, environmental pollution, and the pace and causes of climate change across centuries.
- The Ice Memory project, launched in 2015, has already identified and drilled cores from 10 glacier sites worldwide, with plans to expand storage and establish an international convention over the next decade to safeguard these samples for future generations.
National Energy Conservation Awards 2025
16-12-2025
Source: PIB
On National Energy Conservation Day 2025 (14th December), the President presented the National Energy Conservation Awards 2025 in New Delhi.
National Energy Conservation Awards
- About: It is an initiative of the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE), instituted in 1991 to recognize outstanding achievements in reducing energy consumption while maintaining or enhancing productivity.
- Sectors Covered: Industries, commercial buildings, transport, institutions, and energy-efficient appliances.
- Objectives:

Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE)
- About: BEE is a statutory body, established on 1st March 2002 under the Energy Conservation Act, 2001.
- Functions: BEE promotes energy efficiency in India through initiatives such as the
Illicit Cannabis Cultivation in Kandhamal
16-12-2025
Source: TH
The verdant hills of Kandhamal district in Odisha have emerged as a major hotspot of illicit cannabis cultivation, drawing national attention due to record seizures in 2025.
- Policy Irony: Kandhamal is known for geographical indication (GI)-tagged Kandhamal turmeric, yet economic distress has pushed villagers towards illicit cultivation, underscoring gaps in inclusive rural development.
- Favourable Geography: The district’s remote, forested, hilly terrain, coupled with a climate suitable for cannabis, makes surveillance and access extremely difficult, aiding clandestine cultivation.
- Cannabis: Cannabis is a generic term used by the World Health Organization (WHO) for various psychoactive preparations derived from the plant Cannabis sativa.
- The major psychoactive constituent in cannabis is delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). Compounds which are structurally similar to THC are referred to as cannabinoids.
- Cannabis grows best in moderate temperatures of 20–30°C, with humidity levels between 40–70% depending on the growth stage.
- Cannabis Growth in India: Found in Indo-Gangetic plains and Deccan region.
- Regulation of Cannabis: It is primarily governed by the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985, which criminalises the cultivation, possession, sale, purchase, transport, and consumption of cannabis, especially its resin (charas) and flowering tops (ganja).
- The Act empowers the Central Government to permit the cultivation for industrial purposes, including fibre, seeds, oils, and horticultural uses.
- However, the Act excludes seeds and leaves when not accompanied by the tops, allowing states to regulate products like bhang through their own laws.
- Uttarakhand is the first state to legalize industrial cannabis cultivation (hemp).
- The UN removed cannabis from Schedule IV of the 1961 Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs, recognising its therapeutic potential, while retaining it in Schedule I for regulated medical use.
India Nears 100% Rail Electrification
16-12-2025
Source: PIB
Indian Railways is close to completing the electrification of almost its entire broad-gauge network, with more than 99% already electrified, underlining India's rapid push toward sustainable, low-emission transport systems.
- Emission Reduction & Energy Efficiency: Near-total electrification has led to reduced diesel consumption, lower emissions, supporting Indian Railways’ goal of becoming a net-zero carbon emitter.
- Indian Railways aims to achieve net-zero by 2030, one of the earliest targets globally for a national railway system.
- Indian Railways is one of the largest electricity consumers in India, and a shift to electrification allows integration with renewable energy sources.
- Economic & Operational Benefits: Reduced operational costs due to lower maintenance and energy expenses.
- Enhanced average speed and reliability of services, improving logistics and freight operations.
- Electrification supports India’s goal of becoming a USD 5 trillion economy by ensuring faster goods movement.
- Global Significance: India's 99.2% electrification of its broad-gauge network across 25 states surpasses several advanced economies that still rely on diesel.
- The electrified route kilometres (RKM) added between 2019–2025 equals Germany's total rail network, showcasing India’s global leadership in green transport infrastructure.

Annual Survey of Unincorporated Sector Enterprises (ASUSE) 2026
16-12-2025
Source: PIB
The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) has released the Draft Establishment Schedule (ESU) for the Annual Survey of Unincorporated Sector Enterprises (ASUSE) 2026 for public consultation.
Annual Survey of Unincorporated Sector Enterprises (ASUSE)
- About: ASUSE, a critical statistical tool, measures the operational and economic parameters of India’s vast unincorporated non-agricultural sector.
- The NSO has been conducting ASUSE annually since 2021–22.
- Comprehensive Data Coverage: ASUSE collects data on employment size, gross value added, emoluments, asset ownership, digital adoption (ICT usage), and loan status.
- It excludes agricultural and construction sectors, focusing on manufacturing, trade, and other services.
- Support for Policy Targets: The data aids key ministries like MSME, Textiles, and Labour in framing welfare schemes, credit access policies, and formalisation drives.
Unincorporated Non-Agricultural Sector
- Employment Contribution: The unincorporated sector employs a large share of India’s informal workforce, providing livelihoods to millions without formal contracts.
- As per previous NSSO surveys, over 90% of India's workforce is engaged in the informal sector, underscoring its socio-economic importance.
- Economic Linkages: These enterprises serve as suppliers of goods and services to the formal economy, supporting domestic value chains in manufacturing, trade, and services.
“Fare Se Fursat” Fixed Airfare Scheme
16-10-2025
Source: PIB
The Minister of Civil Aviation, launched a new initiative titled "Fare Se Fursat", a fixed airfare scheme by India’s government-owned regional carrier, Alliance Air.
- India’s aviation sector’s dynamic pricing model is being reformed through a new scheme aimed at ensuring transparent, stable, and affordable regional airfares.
- Key Features
- Fixed Fare System: Passengers will pay a single, constant fare, even for same-day bookings.
- Aligned with UDAN: It supports the UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik) mission of making flying accessible for the middle and lower-middle classes.
- Passenger Benefits: Ensures predictable travel costs, reduces stress, and encourages first-time flyers from smaller towns.
India’s Aviation Sector
- India’s aviation industry has witnessed rapid expansion, making it the third-largest domestic aviation market after the USA and China.
- India’s aviation revenue is expected to grow by 15-20% in FY24 and 10-15% in FY25.
- Domestic air traffic in FY23 reached 306.79 million passengers, a 13.5% YoY growth, while international traffic rose 22.3% to 69.64 million passengers.
- Operational airports increased from 74 in 2014 to 157 in 2024, with a goal of 350-400 by 2047.
Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP)
16-10-2025
Source: PIB
Why in News?
Delhi’s Air Quality Index (AQI) reaching the ‘Poor’ category prompted the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) to invoke Stage-I of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) across the National Capital Region (NCR) to prevent further deterioration in air quality.
What is a Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP)?
- About: The GRAP is a pre-emptive and emergency framework designed to control and reduce air pollution levels in the Delhi-NCR region.
- It was formulated under the directions of the Supreme Court of India in the case of M.C. Mehta v. Union of India (2016).
- GRAP was officially notified and came into effect in 2017 and is implemented by the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) in coordination with the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) and state authorities.
- The plan categorises pollution response measures into four stages, depending on the AQI levels.
- Stages of GRAP:
- Stage I – Poor (AQI 201–300): Basic pollution control measures like road dust management and enforcing vehicle PUC (Pollution Under Control) norms.
- Stage II – Very Poor (AQI 301–400): Stricter actions such as limiting diesel generator use and controlling operations in pollution hotspots.
- Stage III – Severe (AQI 401–450): Imposes restrictions on specific vehicles, construction activities, and allows for remote schooling measures.
- Stage IV – Severe+ (AQI > 450): Enforces bans on entry of heavy vehicles, closure of schools, and shutdown of non-essential industries.
- Purpose: GRAP ensures a graded, coordinated, and time-bound response to rising pollution levels.
- Its goal is to prevent air quality from worsening to hazardous levels by activating stricter measures as pollution increases.

Air Quality Index
- Launched by the MoEFCC under the Swachh Bharat Mission, the National Air Quality Index (AQI) provides a simple way for people to understand air quality through the idea of “One Number – One Colour – One Description.”
- It tracks eight pollutants (PM₁₀, PM₂.₅, NO₂, SO₂, CO, O₃, NH₃, and Pb) across over 240 cities under the National Air Monitoring Programme (NAMP).
- The AQI has six categories: Good, Satisfactory, Moderately Polluted, Poor, Very Poor, and Severe each linked to likely health impacts.
- By translating complex data into clear terms, AQI helps raise public awareness, guide policy action, and promote clean air initiatives under India’s environmental and health programmes.

Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM)
- The CAQM is a statutory body set up under the Commission for Air Quality Management in NCR and Adjoining Areas Act, 2021 to coordinate and implement measures for air pollution control in NCR and adjoining areas (Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh).
- The Commission must have a full-time chairperson with at least 15 years of experience in environmental protection and pollution control, or 25 years of administrative experience.
- The Commission is directly accountable to Parliament and serves as the apex body for NCR air quality management.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP)?
GRAP is a graded framework notified in 2017 to tackle rising air pollution in Delhi-NCR through stage-wise actions based on AQI levels.
2. Who implements GRAP in Delhi-NCR?
The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) implements GRAP in coordination with the MoEFCC and state governments.
3. What are the four stages of GRAP?
Stage I – Poor, Stage II – Very Poor, Stage III – Severe, and Stage IV – Severe+, with progressively stricter pollution control measures.
4. What is the National Air Quality Index (AQI)?
The AQI, launched under the Swachh Bharat Mission, uses the concept of “One Number – One Colour – One Description” to simplify air quality data for the public.
UPSC Civil Services Examination Previous Year Question (PYQ)
Prelims
Q. In the cities of our country, which among the following atmospheric gases are normally considered in calculating the value of the Air Quality Index? (2016)
- Carbon dioxide
- Carbon monoxide
- Nitrogen dioxide
- Sulfur dioxide
- Methane
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) 1, 2 and 3 only
(b) 2, 3 and 4 only
(c) 1, 4 and 5 only
(d) 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5
Ans: (b)
Annual Licensing Policy for Opium Cultivation for 2025-26
16-09-2025
Source: PIB
Why in News?
The Union Government has announced the annual licensing policy for opium poppy cultivation in Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh for 2025-26, increasing eligible farmers to 1.21 lakh.
Annual Licensing Policy for Opium Cultivation for 2025-26
- It is designed to maintain a consistent supply of alkaloids for medical and palliative use while fostering self-reliance in opium and alkaloid production through government-run factories.
- The policy sets eligibility rules, offers incentives for high-performing farmers, and regulates those who do not meet performance standards.
- Under the “Make for World” vision, efforts are being made to promote Indian pharmaceutical companies by ensuring modernization and global quality standards.
What is Opium Poppy?
- About: The opium poppy (Papaver somniferum L.) is an annual medicinal herb belonging to the Papaveraceae family.
- It is the primary source of opium gum, which contains alkaloids like morphine, codeine, and thebaine, widely used in modern medicine as painkillers, cough suppressants, and antispasmodics.
- Apart from medicinal use, it is also grown for edible seeds and seed oil.
- Favourable Conditions: Grows best in temperate climate and winter cultivation possible in sub-tropical regions.
- Cultivation needs well-drained, fertile light black or loamy soil with pH around 7.0.
- Frost, desiccating conditions, cloudy or rainy weather lower both quantity and quality of opium.
- Opium Cultivation in India: India is the only country authorized by the United Nations Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs (1961) to produce gum opium. 11 other countries cultivate opium poppy, but they do not extract gum.
- Opium poppy has been cultivated in India since the 10th century. It became a federal monopoly during the Mughal period in the 16th century, came under British control from 1773, and is now regulated by the Indian government.
- Regulation: Under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985, cultivation of opium poppy is strictly prohibited except under a license issued by the Central Bureau of Narcotics (CBN) (Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh).
- Cultivators are required to sell their entire opium production to CBN, with the price fixed by the government.
- Currently, licit cultivation is permitted only in selected tracts of the three traditional opium-growing states of Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan.
- As a signatory to the United Nations Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs, 1961, India is required to strictly adhere to the provisions and regulations outlined in the Convention while managing its opium production.
Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)
16-09-2025
Source:TH
The conflict in eastern DRC saw two major developments-a U.S.-brokered peace agreement between Rwanda and the DRC, and a ceasefire between the DRC and M23 (March 23 Movement) rebels, mediated by Qatar.
- Despite these efforts, M23 resumed its offensive, undermining the peace objectives.
DRC
- Political Features:
- The DRC, Africa’s 2nd-largest country, shares borders with Angola, the Republic of the Congo, the Central African Republic, South Sudan, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, Tanzania, and Zambia.
- The country also has a coastline on the Atlantic Ocean to the southwest.
- The main areas of conflict are North Kivu, South Kivu, and Ituri.
- Geographical Features:
- It has the mineral-rich Katanga Plateau (cobalt, copper, tin, uranium, diamonds).
- Its capital Kinshasa lies on the Congo River, the only African river to cross the equator twice.
- The country contains the Congo Basin, a vast central lowland rainforest, as well as savanna regions.
- The DRC is home to several significant lakes, including Lake Tanganyika, Lake Albert, Lake Edward, and Lake Kivu.
- Mount Nyiragongo, an active volcano in the Virunga Mountains, is one of the country’s notable geological features.

Cess and its Role in Union Finance
16-08-2025
Source: TH
Why in News?
The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) has flagged a Rs 3.69 lakh crore shortfall in transferring cess collections to their intended funds, bringing into focus the purpose and proper utilisation of such levies.
What is the Purpose of Levying a Cess?
- About: A cess, recognized under Article 270 is an additional tax levied by the Government of India for a specific purpose. It is levied on top of existing taxes or duties listed in the Union List.
- Purpose: Cess is distinct from regular taxes as it is earmarked for a designated purpose. The purpose of a cess must be clearly stated in the law imposing it and should be for a Union purpose, outside List II (State List) of the Seventh Schedule.
- Cesses are named after their purpose (like Education Cess or Swachh Bharat Cess) and must be used only for that purpose, without being diverted for general government expenditure.
- Role in Union Finance: Proceeds from a cess, along with surcharges levied by the Union, are credited to the Consolidated Fund of India and are excluded from the divisible pool of taxes, remaining under the Union’s control.
Surcharge
- About: Article 271 of the Indian Constitution empowers Parliament to impose a surcharge on certain taxes and duties for Union purposes.
- This surcharge is in addition to the existing taxes and duties, often referred to as a “tax on tax.”
- Applicability: Applied to individuals, companies, and other taxpayers in certain income brackets. Usually applicable when income exceeds Rs 50 lakh in a financial year.
- The rate varies based on income level and type of income.
- Purpose and Nature: It is progressive in nature (higher earners contribute more), it promotes social equity and addresses income disparity
- Increases total tax liability for high-income taxpayers.
- Cess vs. Surcharge: Both Cess and surcharge are credited to Consolidated Fund of India (CFI) and are not shared with the states but differ in usage.
- Surcharge is spent like other taxes, while cess must be allocated separately and used only for its specific purpose.
The 13th and 14th Finance Commissions upheld the exclusion of surcharge from the divisible tax pool, but recommended reducing the Centre’s dependence on surcharge revenues.
How do Tax and Cess Differ in Purpose and Usage?
|
Aspect
|
Tax
|
Cess
|
|
Definition
|
Government levy on income, property, etc.
|
Additional levy on an existing tax or duty for a specific purpose
|
|
Revenue Use
|
Goes to Consolidated Fund, used generally
|
Credited to Consolidated Fund but used only for designated purpose
|
|
State Sharing
|
Shared with states
|
Generally, not shared with states
|
|
Examples
|
Income Tax, GST, Corporate Tax
|
Swachh Bharat Cess, Education Cess, Krishi Kalyan Cess
|
UPSC Civil Services Examination Previous Year Question (PYQ)
Prelims
Q. The sales tax you pay while purchasing a toothpaste is a (2014)
A. tax imposed by the Central Government
B. tax imposed by the Central Government but collected by the State Government
C. tax imposed by the State Government but collected by the Central Government
D. tax imposed and collected by the State Government
Ans: (D)
State Health Regulatory Excellence Index
16-08-2025
Source: PIB
The Union Health Ministry has launched the State Health Regulatory Excellence Index (SHRESTH).
- SHRESTH, developed by the Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO), is a virtual gap assessment tool for states to evaluate their current status and progress toward maturity certification, aiming to ensure drug safety, quality, and efficacy across all states and UTs.
- Key Features of SHRESTH:
- State Classification: States are categorized as Manufacturing States and Primarily Distribution States/UTs.
- Assessment Criteria: The SHRESTH Index evaluates states on aspects like human resources, lab testing capacity, licensing activities, surveillance, and responsiveness to public grievances.
- Monitoring and Accountability: States submit monthly data to the CDSCO, which compiles and scores the index, and shares the results with the states and UTs each month.
- Global Standards: SHRESTH aims to be in line with the World Health Organization’s (WHO) Global Benchmarking Tool (GBT) Maturity Level 3 (ML3), reinforcing India’s position as the “Pharmacy of the World.”
- WHO’s GBT assesses the regulatory maturity (on four levels (ML1–ML4)) of national systems for medicines, vaccines, blood products, and medical devices, ensuring high-quality, consistent regulation worldwide.
- India has achieved ML3 in 2024, which reflects a stable, well-functioning, and integrated regulatory system.
Income Tax Bill, 2025
16-08-2025
Source: IE
Both houses of the Parliament passed the Income Tax Bill, 2025, which seeks to simplify, rationalise, and shorten the existing Income Tax 1961 Act.
- The Bill defines virtual digital space as any digital environment including email, social media, online accounts, cloud servers, websites, and digital platforms.
- If retained, tax authorities could access or bypass passwords to investigate potential tax evasion or under-reported income, with companies potentially required to assist.
- It replaces the dual concepts of ‘assessment year’ and ‘previous year’ with a uniform ‘tax year’, defined as 1st April 1 to 31st March.
- The Bill removes the restriction limiting refunds to on-time filed returns, allowing claims even for belatedly filed returns.
- The Bill clarifies there will be no Tax Collected at Source (TCS) on Liberalised Remittance Scheme (LRS) remittances for education purposes financed by financial institutions.
- Individuals with no tax liability can seek a nil Tax Deduction at Source certificate in advance.
- The applicability of the Alternate Minimum Tax (AMT) for Limited Liability Partnerships (LLPs) has been aligned with the existing provisions of the IT Act.
- AMT ensures that individuals benefiting from tax deductions and exemptions pay at least the minimum amount of tax.
Income Tax
- It is a direct tax on the income earned by individuals, companies, or other entities during a financial year. For individual taxpayers in India, it is levied according to progressive tax slabs.
- These slabs may vary under the new tax regime or with applicable rebates and deductions.
- According to the Central Board of Direct Taxes, India’s gross direct tax collections for 2025-26 stood at Rs 7.99 lakh crore, down 1.9% from Rs 8.14 lakh crore in FY 2024-25.
Kaziranga Records High Diversity of Grassland Birds
16-07-2025
Source: TH
Kaziranga National Park, Assam best known for its one-horned rhinos, has now emerged as a biodiversity hotspot for grassland birds.
- First dedicated grassland bird survey conducted in Kaziranga recorded 43 species across its three wildlife divisions. Includes rare and threatened species like:
- Critically Endangered: Bengal florican
- Endangered: Finn’s weaver, Swamp grass babbler
- Vulnerable (6 species): Black-breasted parrotbill, Marsh babbler, Swamp francolin, Jerdon’s babbler, Slender-billed babbler, Bristled grassbird
- Finn’s weaver found to be breeding successfully, indicating healthy grassland ecosystems.
- Kaziranga’s 1,174 sq. km habitat supports rich birdlife, with grassland bird diversity comparable to Gujarat and Rajasthan.
- The study marks as a key step in avian conservation in Northeast India.
- Kaziranga National Park: Kaziranga derives its name from the Karbi word "Kajir-a-rang", meaning "village of Kajir", believed to be named after a woman ruler of the region.
- It was established as a Reserve Forest in 1908 to protect the Indian rhinoceros, it became a Wildlife Sanctuary in 1950, National Park in 1974, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1985. And it was declared as a Tiger Reserve in 2007 due to high tiger density.
- It is known for the Big Five: Rhinoceros, Tiger, Elephant, Asiatic Wild Buffalo, and Eastern Swamp Deer. Nearly the entire population of Eastern Swamp Deer is found here.
- It is located along the Brahmaputra River, which brings rich nutrients but also causes habitat loss through erosion.

India Achieves 50% Non-Fossil Fuel Power Capacity
16-07-2025
Source: PIB
India’s non-fossil fuel power capacity has reached 242.78 GW out of 484.82 GW total installed capacity, 5 years ahead of its 2030 target under the Paris Agreement's Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs).
Non-Fossil Fuels:
- Non-fossil fuels refer to energy sources that are not derived from fossilized organic matter such as coal, oil, or natural gas.
- As of June 2025, India’s total installed electricity capacity stands at 484.82 GW, with 50% coming from non-fossil fuel sources, which includes:
- Renewable energy: 184.62 GW (38.08%)
- Large hydropower: 49.38 GW (10.19%)
- Nuclear energy: 8.78 GW (1.81%)

Key Initiatives Driving the Growth of India’s Renewable Energy Capacity:
Deepfakes
16-07-2025
Source: IE
Why in News?
Denmark has proposed a landmark copyright amendment to ban the sharing of deepfakes without consent, protecting individuals’ voices, faces, and likenesses.
- The proposed law treats realistic deepfakes as copyright violations, gives individuals control over their digital likeness for 50 years after death, and requires platforms to remove such content or face penalties.
What are Deepfakes?
- About: Deepfakes are synthetic media (videos, images, or audio) that are digitally altered using Artificial Intelligence (AI) to make it look like someone said or did something they never actually did. They blur the line between reality and manipulation.
- Technology Used: Deepfakes are powered by deep learning, a subset of machine learning, which itself is a subset of AI.
- They're created using Generative Adversarial Networks (GANs), where two neural networks (a generator and a discriminator) work together to create and refine fake content.
- GANs use real data to recreate faces, voices, or movements. A generator makes fake content, and a discriminator tries to detect it. The generator improves until it can fool the discriminator,
- Natural Language Processing (NLP) is used for cloning voices. Lip-syncing techniques align deepfake audio with video.
- Common Types:
- Face swaps: Replace a person’s face in a video with another’s.
- Voice clones: Imitate someone’s voice to say anything.
- Source Video Manipulation: Make someone appear to do or say things they never did.
- Detection:
- Clues: unnatural blinking, facial distortions, mismatched audio, lighting glitches.
- Tools: Adobe, Microsoft, Sensity AI, and others offer deepfake detection software.
- Social media platforms are beginning to flag or remove malicious deepfakes.
How has India Dealt with Deepfakes?
- India doesn’t have a dedicated law for deepfakes, but several existing laws offer partial protection.
- Information Technology Act, 2000 (“IT Act”): Section 66D of IT Act, targets impersonation and cheating via digital means.
- Further, Sections 67, 67A, and 67B of the IT Act can be used to prosecute individuals for publishing or transmitting deepfakes that are obscene or contain any sexually explicit acts.
- IT Rules, 2021: Require platforms to remove impersonation or morphed content when alerted quickly or lose their safe harbour’ protection (a provision that protects social media companies from regulatory liability for third-party content shared by users on their platforms).
- Copyright Act, 1957: The Copyright Act, 1957 can be applied if deepfakes use copyrighted images or videos without permission. It bars the unauthorised use of any content over which someone holds exclusive rights.
- Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In): Issued advisories on deepfake threats and measures that need to be followed to stay protected against.
- Indian Cybercrime Coordination Centre (I4C): Assists law enforcement agencies in effectively tackling cybercrimes, including deepfakes.
- Judicial Interventions:
- Anil Kapoor’s Case (2023): Delhi High Court (HC) granted an ex-parte, omnibus injunction restraining from using Anil Kapoor’s name, image, or traits (like dialogue phrases) through AI or morphing for commercial gain.
- The court held that his personality rights (including name, likeness, and image) deserve protection not just for his own sake, but also for the dignity of his family and friends.
- Mr.Shivaji Rao Gaikwad (Rajnikanth) vs M/S.Varsha Productions (2015): The Madras High Court granted an injunction restraining the use of Rajnikanth’s name, image, caricature, and dialogue style in the film Main Hoon Rajnikanth, recognizing his personality rights as a celebrity.
UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Questions (PYQs)
Prelims
Q. With the present state of development, Artificial Intelligence can effectively do which of the following? (2020)
- Bring down electricity consumption in industrial units
- Create meaningful short stories and songs
- Disease diagnosis
- Text-to-Speech Conversion
- Wireless transmission of electrical energy
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) 1, 2, 3 and 5 only
(b) 1, 3 and 4 only
(c) 2, 4 and 5 only
(d) 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5
Ans: (b)
ACC Approves Appointment of New NMC Chairman
16-07-2025
Source: IE
Dr. Abhijat Sheth has been appointed as the new chairperson of the National Medical Commission (NMC) by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC).
Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC):
- ACC is a high-level committee of the Government of India responsible for appointments to top-level civil services, departmental heads, and senior positions in Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs).
- It comprises 2 members- the Prime Minister (Chairperson) and the Minister of Home Affairs (Member).
- ACC is one of the 8 Cabinet Committees, others being:
- Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA)
- Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS)
- Cabinet Committee on Accommodation
- Cabinet Committee on Parliamentary Affairs (also called Super-Cabinet)
- Cabinet Committee on Political Affairs
- Cabinet Committee on Investment and Growth
- Cabinet Committee on Skill, Employment and Livelihood
- Cabinet Committees are extra-constitutional bodies set up under the Transaction of Business Rules, 1961, derived from Article 77(3) of the Constitution.
National Medical Commission (NMC):
- About: NMC is the apex regulatory body for medical education and practice in India, constituted under the National Medical Commission Act, 2019.
- Members: It comprises 33 members, including a Chairperson, 4 Board Presidents, ex officio members, and part-time members.
- Objective: The NMC ensures affordable quality medical education, promotes skilled healthcare workforce, supports universal healthcare, encourages research, conducts transparent assessments, maintains a medical register, enforces ethics, and ensures grievance redressal.
Boko Haram
16-06-2025
Source: TOI
Nigeria is witnessing a renewed insurgency led by Boko Haram, threatening its national security.
Boko Haram:
- Boko Haram is an Islamic sectarian movement that emerged in northeastern Nigeria in 2002, founded by Mohammed Yusuf.
- They mainly inhabit areas in the northern states of Nigeria, specifically Yobe, Kano, Bauchi, Borno and Kaduna.
- Boko Haram meaning ‘Western education is forbidden’ opposes Western-style education and secular governance and aims to establish an Islamic state.
- It emerged in Nigeria in the mid-1990s as a moderate Islamic group, influenced by post-Biafran War grievances (1967–70), which saw over 2 million deaths amid government suppression backed by Western powers and oil interests.
- They operate across borders in Nigeria, Niger, Chad, and Cameroon, and remain one of the deadliest terrorist groups in Africa despite efforts to suppress it.
Nigeria:
- Nigeria (also known as Giant of Africa) is a country in West Africa shares borders with Niger, Chad, Cameroon, Benin, and the Gulf of Guinea.
- It has the largest population in Africa and the 6th largest in the world, in addition to being the 4th largest economy in Africa.
- It gained independence from Britain in 1960, with Abuja as its capital.
- The country features the Cameroonian Highlands and is rich in natural resources, especially petroleum and natural gas.

GFW 2024 Report on Indian Forests
16-06-2025
Source: BS
The Global Forest Watch (GFW), an open-source forest monitoring platform developed by the US-based research organisation World Resources Institute (WRI), has recently released data highlighting India’s deforestation and forest degradation trends from 2001 to 2024.
Key Findings of the WRI Report on India’s Forests:
- Extent of Forest & Tree Cover Changes (2001–2024):
- Between 2001 and 2024, India lost 2.31 million hectares of tree cover, a 7.1% decline since 2000, causing 1.29 gigatonnes of CO₂ emissions.
- In 2024 alone, India lost 150,000 hectares of natural forest, resulting in approximately 68 million tonnes of CO₂ emissions.
- Primary forest loss increased from 17,700 hectares in 2023 to 18,200 hectares in 2024.
- Between 2002 and 2024, 348,000 hectares (5.4%) of humid primary forests (mature tropical forests not recently cleared) were lost, accounting for 15% of total tree cover loss.
- Tree cover loss due to fires amounted to 36,200 hectares from 2001 to 2024, peaking at 2,770 hectares in 2008.
- Despite losses, India gained 1.78 million hectares of tree cover between 2000 and 2020, contributing 1.4% to global net gains (Top 3 Gainers: Russia, Canada, US).
- Key Drivers of Deforestation:
- Northeastern states lead in forest loss due to shifting cultivation, logging, and infrastructure. Central India suffers from mining, while the Western Ghats face road, tourism, and plantation pressures.
- Globally, India ranked second in deforestation (2015–2020), losing 668,000 ha/year (FAO).
Sighting of Eurasian Otter in Kashmir
16-06-2025
Source: IE
Eurasian Otter or Common Otter (locally known as Vuder in Kashmir) has been sighted in Kashmir after 25-30 years. It has been historically found in Dachigam, Dal Lake tributaries, Rambiara stream, and Lidder river (in Pahalgam).
Eurasian Otter (Lutra lutra)
- About: It is a semi-aquatic carnivorous mammal native to Eurasia.
- It is a keystone species in river ecosystems as its presence is an indicator of clean water and healthy aquatic biodiversity.
- Other species in India include smooth-coated Otter (throughout India), and Small-clawed Otter (Himalayas and southern India).
- Taxonomy: It belongs to the genus Lutra, family Lutrinae, order Carnivora.
- Diet: Mainly feeds on fish, crustaceans, and amphibians and occasionally eats reptiles, birds, eggs, insects, and worms.
- Habitat & Behaviour:
- Found in the Himalayas, northeast India, and Western Ghats.
- It prefers clean freshwater ecosystems such as rivers, lakes, streams, and wetland and is also found in coastal areas.
- It is mostly active at night, builds dens (holts) near water, and lives mostly solitary, though mothers are sometimes seen with their cubs.
- Conservation Status:

UN Flags Unaddressed Violence in Sri Lanka’s Civil War
16-01-2026
Source: TH
Why in News?
The Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (UN Human Rights) has released a report titled “We lost everything – even hope for justice”, highlighting conflict-related sexual violence, primarily by security forces, against Tamil civilians during Sri Lanka’s decades-long civil war.
What are the Key Highlights of the UN Human Rights Report on Violence in Sri Lanka?
- Violence During the Civil War: Sexual violence was systematically used during Sri Lanka’s civil war, primarily by State security forces, as a method of intimidation, punishment, and control.
- Lack of Accountability and Justice: Even years after the war ended in 2009, survivors continue to be denied justice.
- The absence of investigations, prosecutions, and reparations has created a deep-rooted culture of impunity.
- Impact on Survivors: Victims continue to suffer chronic physical injuries, infertility, psychological trauma, and suicidal tendencies. Persistent surveillance, stigma, and intimidation have led to widespread under-reporting.
- UN Recommendations: The UN states that conflict-related sexual violence may amount to war crimes or crimes against humanity.
- It calls on Sri Lanka to acknowledge past abuses, issue a formal apology, implement survivor-centred reforms, establish an independent prosecution mechanism, and ensure psychological and social support for survivors.
What are the Key Facts About the Sri Lankan Civil War (1983–2009)?
- Ethnic and Social Background: Sri Lanka’s population is ~75% Sinhalese (largely Buddhist) and ~11% Sri Lankan Tamils (largely Hindu), marked by linguistic, religious, and political divisions.
- Tamils trace historical links to South India’s Chola Kingdom as traders and settlers.
- Early tensions were driven less by culture and more by power, representation, and control of the State.
- Colonial Roots of Tensions: Under British rule, divide-and-rule policies and preferential access to English education and civil service jobs for Tamils, especially in Jaffna, generated resentment among the Sinhalese majority.
- Buddhism and Sinhala language were marginalized, laying the groundwork for post-independence ethnic backlash.
- Post-Independence Discrimination: After independence in 1948, successive governments enacted policies that disenfranchised Tamils, including the Ceylon Citizenship Act (1948), Sinhala Only Act (1956), and university standardisation policies.
- State-sponsored Sinhalese settlement in Tamil areas further intensified grievances.
- Sinhalese nationalism further disenfranchised Indian-origin Tamils, who were denied citizenship rights and relegated to statelessness (a person is not recognized as a citizen by any country).
- Rise of Tamil Militancy: Systematic discrimination led to the radicalisation of Tamil youth and the emergence of militant groups.
- The Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), formed in 1976 under Velupillai Prabhakaran, sought a separate Tamil homeland, while political fronts like the Tamil United Liberation Front (TULF) demanded a separate Tamil Eelam.
- Outbreak of Civil War (1983): The conflict escalated into full-scale civil war after the Black July riots of 1983, when anti-Tamil pogroms followed an LTTE attack on soldiers.
- Thousands of Tamils were killed, pushing the island into nearly three decades of armed conflict.
- India’s Involvement: The Sirimavo–Shastri (1964) and Sirimavo–Indira Gandhi (1974) Pacts promised Indian citizenship to six lakh Indian-origin Tamils, but poor implementation and the Sri Lankan civil war stalled the process, leaving many stateless.
- India initially supported Tamil militants due to regional concerns and but later shifted course under the Indo–Sri Lanka Accord (1987), signed by then Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi and President J. R. Jayewardene, by deploying the Indian Peace Keeping Force (IPKF).
- Operation Pawan was India’s IPKF mission in Sri Lanka under the 1987 Indo–Sri Lanka Accord, marking India’s first major overseas peacekeeping operation.
- The IPKF aimed to disarm the LTTE and secure the Jaffna Peninsula. It conducted counter-insurgency operations from 1987 to 1990, preventing the LTTE from retaking Jaffna.
- In 1991, Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi was assassinated by an LTTE suicide bomber, a direct fallout of India’s intervention in Sri Lanka.
- 13th Amendment to Sri Lanka’s Constitution: It was enacted after the Indo–Sri Lanka Accord (1987), sought to address the ethnic conflict by devolving powers to provincial councils.
- It allowed provinces to legislate on subjects like education, health, agriculture, and transport, while land and police powers remained with the Centre.
- However, devolution remained partial, and the Tamil-majority North and East saw prolonged central rule, limiting the amendment’s intended impact.
- Opposition from Sinhala nationalists and delays in provincial elections have further weakened its implementation.
- Escalation and Eelam Wars: After India’s exit, the war intensified through multiple phases marked by suicide bombings, mass killings, and military offensives.
- Major battles in Jaffna, Elephant Pass, and Mullaitivu caused heavy losses on both sides and widespread civilian suffering.
- End of the War (2009): The civil war ended in May 2009 when the Sri Lankan Army defeated the LTTE and killed its leader Velupillai Prabhakaran, marking a decisive military victory for the State.
- Post-War Reality: Despite the war’s end, many Tamils remain displaced, and allegations of human rights abuses, surveillance, and discrimination persist, cultural Sinhalisation continues to affect reconciliation.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What was the Sri Lankan Civil War?
It was a nearly three-decade armed conflict (1983–2009) between the Sri Lankan government and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) over Tamil demands for a separate homeland.
2. What were the main causes of the Sri Lankan Civil War?
Ethnic discrimination, language policies like the Sinhala Only Act (1956), unequal access to education and jobs, and state-sponsored settlement in Tamil areas triggered Tamil alienation and militancy.
3. Who were the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE)?
The LTTE was a Tamil separatist militant organisation, formed in 1976 under Velupillai Prabhakaran, aiming to establish an independent Tamil Eelam in northern and eastern Sri Lanka.
4. What event marked the beginning of the civil war in 1983?
The war escalated after the Black July riots (1983), which followed an LTTE attack killing 13 soldiers and led to large-scale anti-Tamil violence.
5. What role did India play in the Sri Lankan Civil War?
India intervened through the Indo–Sri Lanka Accord (1987) and deployed the Indian Peace Keeping Force (IPKF) under Operation Pawan to disarm the LTTE and restore peace.
UPSC Civil Services Examination Previous Year Question (PYQ)
Prelims
Q. Consider the following statements: (2020)
- The value of Indo-Sri Lanka trade has consistently increased in the last decade.
- “Textile and textile articles” constitute an important item of trade between India and Bangladesh.
- In the last five years, Nepal has been the largest trading partner of India in South Asia.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 only
(c) 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Ans: (b)
Q. Elephant Pass, sometimes seen in the news, is mentioned in the context of the affairs of which one of the following? (2009)
(a) Bangladesh
(b) India
(c) Nepal
(d) Sri Lanka
Ans: (d)
Mains
Q. In respect of India-Sri Lanka relations, discuss how domestic factors influence foreign policy.(2013)
India–Israel Joint Ministerial Declaration on Fisheries and Aquaculture
16-01-2026
Source:PIB
At the 2nd Global Summit on “Blue Food Security: Sea the Future 2026”, India and Israel signed a Joint Ministerial Declaration of Intent to deepen cooperation in fisheries and aquaculture.
- Declaration on Fisheries and Aquaculture: It provides a comprehensive framework to deepen bilateral cooperation in the fisheries and aquaculture sector.
- The Declaration prioritises joint research and innovation in advanced aquaculture systems such as Recirculating Aquaculture Systems (RAS), biofloc, cage culture, aquaponics, mariculture, and seaweed cultivation, along with genetic improvement, broodstock development, and pathogen-free seed production to enhance productivity and resilience.
- It stresses sustainable fishing, capacity building, and trade facilitation, and the creation of Indo–Israel Centres of Excellence, strengthening the Blue Economy and food security of both nations.
- Fisheries and Aquaculture: India is the second-largest fish producer in the world after China, contributing about 8% of global fish production.
- Fish production rose sharply to 184.02 lakh tonnes in 2023–24, nearly doubling from 95.79 lakh tonnes in 2013–14, driven mainly by inland fisheries and aquaculture.
- The Blue Revolution (launched in 2015–16) laid the foundation for sectoral growth, while the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), launched in 2020, aims to reform the value chain, enhance production, and improve the socio-economic welfare of fishers and fish farmers.
MS Sahoo Committee for NPS Reforms
16-01-2026
Source: Mint
Why in News?
The Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA) has established a high-level committee to design a regulatory framework for assured payouts under the National Pension System (NPS), aiming to address post-retirement income certainty.
- In a separate development, PFRDA has issued the NPS Vatsalya Scheme Guidelines 2025, providing comprehensive information on the NPS Vatsalya.
What are the Key Facts Regarding the Newly Constituted Committee on NPS?
- About: It is a 15-member panel headed by MS Sahoo, former chairperson of the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board of India (IBBI). It is constituted as a standing advisory committee on structured pension payouts and can invite external specialists for consultation.
- Objectives: The primary objective is to formulate guidelines for legally enforceable, market-based guarantees under the NPS.
- This involves defining key parameters like lock-in periods and pricing, establishing risk management norms with capital requirements, and examining tax implications for in-system payouts.
- Significance: It marks a shift from exit flexibility to income certainty in retirement, addressing a key gap in India's pension system. This aims to boost confidence in long-term savings and strengthen financial security, aligning with the Viksit Bharat 2047 vision for financial independence in old age.
National Pension System (NPS)
- About: Introduced on 1st January 2004, NPS is a market-linked, contributory pension scheme designed to provide individuals with a retirement income, replacing the Old Pension System (OPS).
- Working of NPS: Administered by the PFRDA under the PFRDA Act, 2013, NPS is funded jointly by the employee and the government. Employees contribute 10% of their basic pay and dearness allowance, matched by a 14% contribution from the government.
- Subscribers can select from various schemes, pension fund managers, and private companies to invest their contributions. Unlike OPS, NPS does not offer an assured pension.
- Need for NPS: The previous OPS was unfunded, lacking a dedicated corpus, which caused government pension liabilities to balloon from Rs 3,272 crore (1990-91) to over Rs 1.9 lakh crore (2020-21), creating an unsustainable fiscal burden.
- Transition to UPS: Faced with opposition due to lower guaranteed returns and employee contributions compared to OPS, the government formed the Somanathan Committee in 2023. Its recommendations have led to the new Unified Pension Scheme (UPS), shifting the focus toward greater income certainty in retirement
What is NPS Vatsalya?
- About: NPS Vatsalya is a dedicated, long-term contributory savings scheme under the NPS designed exclusively for the financial security of minors. It aims to nurture a culture of savings and financial literacy from an early age.
- Eligibility and Operational Features: Open to all Indian citizens, including NRI/OCI, below 18 years, with the minor as the sole beneficiary.
- The account is opened in the minor's name but operated by a parent/legal guardian.
- The minimum initial and annual contribution is Rs 250, with no upper limit; contributions can also be gifted.
- Flexibility and Withdrawal Provisions: Allows partial withdrawals after 3 years for specific purposes like education and medical treatment, limited to 25% of the minor's own contributions.
- Transition Upon Attaining Majority: Between 18 and 21 years, the subscriber can continue with NPS Vatsalya, shift to the standard NPS Tier I, or exit.
- Exit rules mandate using a minimum 20% of the corpus to purchase an annuity, with full withdrawal permitted if the total corpus is Rs 8 lakh or less.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the purpose of the MS Sahoo committee?
The committee is tasked with formulating guidelines for legally enforceable, market-based guaranteed payouts under NPS to enhance income certainty after retirement.
2. How does NPS differ from the Old Pension Scheme (OPS)?
Unlike OPS, NPS is market-linked, contributory, and does not offer an assured pension, with contributions from both the employee (10%) and government (14%).
3. Who is eligible for NPS Vatsalya?
All Indian citizens, including NRI/OCI, below 18 years, with the minor as the sole beneficiary, operated by a parent or legal guardian.
UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Questions (PYQs)
Q. Who among the following can join the National Pension System (NPS)? (2017)
(a) Resident Indian citizens only
(b) Persons of age from 21 to 55 only
(c) All State Government employees joining the services after the date of notification by the respective State Governments
(d) All Central Government employees including those of Armed Forces joining the services on or after 1st April, 2004
Ans (c)
Q. Regarding ‘Atal Pension Yojana’, which of the following statements is/are correct? (2016)
- It is a minimum guaranteed pension scheme mainly targeted at unorganised sector workers.
- Only one member of a family can join the scheme.
- Same amount of pension is guaranteed for the spouse for life after the subscriber's death.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Ans: (c)
Japan’s Deep-Sea Rare Earth Mining Initiative
16-01-2026
Source: TH
Japan has embarked on the world’s first experimental attempt to extract rare earth elements from the deep-sea at a depth of about 6,000 metres, using its deep-sea scientific drilling vessel Chikyu.
- The initiative is driven by Japan’s effort to reduce heavy dependence on China, which accounts for nearly two-thirds of global rare-earth mining and over 90% of refined output.
- About Minami Torishima: The test mission is being conducted near Minami Torishima, a remote island located within Japan’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) in the Pacific Ocean.
- The area around Minami Torishima is estimated to contain over 16 million tonnes of rare-earth deposits, including reserves sufficient for 730 years of dysprosium and 780 years of yttrium, both critical for electric vehicles, electronics, wind turbines, and defence systems.
- Deep sea mining: It involves extracting mineral deposits, from ocean depths below 200 metres, an area that covers two-thirds of the world’s seafloor,for industrial use.
- It operates through three methods — collecting polymetallic nodules, mining seafloor sulphide deposits and stripping cobalt-rich crusts.
- Environmental groups warn that deep-sea mining threatens marine ecosystems and biodiversity, even as the International Seabed Authority (ISA) works on a global regulatory framework for mining in international waters.
- Rare Earth Elements (REEs): Rare earths are a group of 17 metals that are difficult to extract and refine but are essential for electric vehicle batteries, wind turbines, electronics, smartphones, computers and missile systems.

78th Army Day
16-01-2026
Source: PIB
The Indian Army marked its 78th Army Day on 15th January 2026 with a historic parade in Jaipur, Rajasthan, emphasising the force’s shift towards modern, agile, and technology-driven warfare.
- Historic Venue: This was the 4th Army Day Parade held outside Delhi, following events in Bengaluru (2023), Lucknow (2024), and Pune (2025), and marked the first instance it was organised outside a cantonment.
- Historical Significance: The day commemorates 15th January 1949, when Field Marshal KM Cariappa became the first Indian Commander-in-Chief, marking full military sovereignty.
- Currently, the President of India serves as the Supreme Commander of the Indian Armed Forces, including the Army, Navy, and Air Force.
- Theme & Focus: The 2026 theme is “Year of Networking and Data Centricity” that highlighted the Army’s push for digital transformation, AI-driven warfare, cyber resilience, and integrated battle management systems.
- Strategic Displays: The parade featured the debut of Bhairav Battalion contingents, representing new lean, agile formations for rapid response.
- Indigenous Tech Showcase: A wide array of Made-in-India systems was displayed, including T-90 & Arjun tanks, K-9 Vajra, Dhanush, ATAGS, BrahMos, Pinaka, and a range of drones (Prabal, Switch, Baaz).
- With approximately 1.4 million active personnel, the Indian Army is the world's largest army, surpassing that of China.
- Cultural Highlights: Performances of Rajasthani folk dances like Kalbelia and Gair, Chenda (traditional percussion instrument from Kerala) performance, and traditional martial arts such as Kalaripayattu and Malkhamb showcased India's diverse cultural heritage.
151st Foundation Day of IMD and Automatic Weather Stations
16-01-2026
Source: PIB
India has announced a major upgrade in urban weather forecasting with the deployment of 200 Automatic Weather Stations (AWS) across Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, and Pune, reinforcing disaster preparedness and hyper-local forecasting during the 151st Foundation Day (15th January 1875–2026) of the India Meteorological Department (IMD).
- Automatic Weather Stations (AWS): It is a meteorological station that records and transmits weather data automatically.
- AWS increases the density, reliability, and frequency of surface weather observations, especially in remote or inhospitable areas.
- They provide continuous, high-resolution data, reduce human error and operational costs, and standardise measurements across networks through advanced digital sensors and automated reporting.
- AWS supports agriculture, aviation, urban planning, public safety, and disaster management.
- IMD: It is India’s principal agency for meteorological observations, weather forecasting, and seismology, functioning under the Ministry of Earth Sciences.
- Headquartered in New Delhi, it provides critical forecasts and warnings for agriculture, aviation, shipping, and disaster management.
- Achievements of IMD: Over the last decade, IMD has achieved major technological advancements, with forecast accuracy improving by 40–50%, cyclone track prediction accuracy rising by 35–40%, and seasonal forecast errors reducing from about 7.5% to nearly 2.5%.
- Its weather radar network now covers around 87% of India’s geographical area.
- Mission Mausam, led by IMD, reflects a long-term focus on advanced weather science, climate resilience, and public welfare.
- India now provides weather and disaster-related satellite support to Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, and Sri Lanka, strengthening South Asian regional cooperation.
SC Declares Involuntary Narco Test as Unconstitutional
15-12-2025
Source: TH
Why in News?
The Supreme Court (SC) of India has ruled that any forced or involuntary narco test is unconstitutional, setting aside a 2025 Patna High Court order that allowed such a test in Amlesh Kumar v. State of Bihar (2025).
Summary
- The SC has held that forced narco tests are unconstitutional, reaffirming protections against self-incrimination and violations of personal liberty under Articles 20(3) and 21.
- The ruling strengthens ethical standards, consent requirements, and limits the evidentiary value of such investigative techniques in India’s criminal justice system.
What is a Narco Test?
- About: A narco test is an investigative technique in which the accused is administered sedative drugs such as barbiturates (a class of sedative-hypnotic drugs) like Sodium Pentothal to lower inhibitions.
- The aim is to extract concealed information by reducing reasoning and conscious control.
- It is considered a non-violent investigative method, similar to polygraph and brain-mapping tests.
- Forced Narco Tests: They violate individual autonomy, a core principle of natural justice, and ethical philosophy, including Immanuel Kant’s ideas, holds that actions without consent are morally invalid.
- In a democratic criminal justice system, justice requires balancing victims’ rights with the rights of the accused, and any compromise of protection against self-incrimination and personal liberty undermines constitutional morality.
- Constitutional Protections:
- Article 20(3): Protection against self-incrimination and no accused can be compelled to testify against oneself.
- Article 21: Guarantees life, personal liberty, and the right to privacy, and any such test without the express consent of the person (accused) would violate it.
- A democratic criminal justice system must balance victims’ rights with the accused’s rights.
- Article 21, along with Articles 14 and 19, forms the Golden Triangle of the Constitution, as held in Maneka Gandhi v. Union of India (1978).
- Any violation of the Right to Privacy therefore amounts to a violation of the Right to Life and Personal Liberty, disrupting this core constitutional framework.
- Legal Provisions: A person may voluntarily opt for a narco test at the defence stage under Section 253 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023. However, there is no absolute or indefeasible right to demand such a test.
- Judicial Pronouncements:
- Selvi v. State of Karnataka (2010): SC held that narco tests without free consent are unconstitutional; results are not admissible as evidence.
- Amlesh Kumar v. State of Bihar (2025): SC struck down forced narco testing.
- Manoj Kumar Saini v. State of MP (2023) and Vinobhai v. State of Kerala (2025): SC held that narco test results do not prove guilt and require corroboration with independent evidence and such tests cannot be treated as substantive evidence.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is a narco test?
A narco test is an investigative technique where sedative drugs like barbiturates (e.g., Sodium Pentothal) are administered to lower inhibitions and extract information.
2. Why are forced narco tests unconstitutional?
They violate Article 20(3) by compelling self-incrimination and breach Article 21 by infringing personal liberty and the right to privacy.
3. What did the Supreme Court hold in Selvi v. State of Karnataka (2010)?
The Court ruled that narco tests without free and informed consent are unconstitutional and their results are inadmissible as evidence.
4. Is voluntary narco testing legally allowed?
Yes, a person may voluntarily opt for a narco test at the defence stage under Section 253 of BNSS, but there is no absolute right to demand it.
UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Questions (PYQs)
Prelims
Q. ‘Right to Privacy’ is protected under which Article of the Constitution of India? (2021)
(a) Article 15
(b) Article 19
(c) Article 21
(d) Article 29
Ans:C
Anti-dumping Duty
15-11-2025
Source: BS
India has imposed a five-year anti-dumping duty on hot-rolled steel imports from Vietnam after investigations confirmed that unfairly low-priced imports were harming the domestic steel industry.
- The decision follows Directorate General of Trade Remedies (DGTR) findings confirming that Vietnamese steel was dumped below normal value, causing injury to Indian producers. Stainless steel hot-rolled products are excluded from the duty.
- In India, anti-dumping cases are investigated by the DGTR under the Ministry of Commerce, while the Finance Ministry imposes the duty.
- Anti-dumping Duty: It is a protective tariff imposed on imports that are priced lower than their normal value in the exporting country.
- Its primary purpose is to shield domestic industries from harm caused by unfairly priced foreign imports.
- India is one of the largest users of anti-dumping duties in the world, most of which have been imposed on Chinese imports.
- World Trade Organization (WTO) rules, through Article 6 of the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (1994), permit member countries to impose anti-dumping and countervailing duties under specific and strictly regulated conditions.
- Anti-dumping Duty Vs Countervailing Duty (CVD):

Jharkhand’s Saranda Forest
15-11-2025
Source: TH
The Supreme Court of India directed the Jharkhand government to declare 31,468.25 hectares of the Saranda forest area as a wildlife sanctuary. The court reaffirmed that mining is prohibited inside national parks and wildlife sanctuaries, as well as within a one-kilometre buffer from their boundaries.
- The Court upheld the 1968 erstwhile unified State of Bihar notification declaring the Saranda forest as the “Saranda Game Sanctuary,” which later came under Jharkhand’s jurisdiction after the State’s bifurcation (2000).
Saranda Forest
- About: It is the largest Sal forest in Asia, located near Jamshedpur, Jharkhand. The name “Saranda” means “land of seven hundred hills”, spread over around 900 sq. km.
- It historically served as the private hunting ground of the royal family of Seraikela.
- The Saranda forest division also accounts for 26% of India’s iron ore reserves, making it both ecologically and economically significant.
- Flora: Dominated by Sal (Shorea robusta), forming one of the most pristine and continuous Sal forests in the world. Other major species include Mahua and Kusum.
- Supports diverse deciduous vegetation that maintains water cycles and contributes to carbon sequestration.
- Fauna: It is the habitat for critically endangered and endemic species, including the sal forest tortoise, four-horned antelope, and Asian palm civet.
- The forest is home to endangered species of flying lizards and hundreds of elephants.
- Tribes: Inhabited by Ho, Munda, Uraon, and allied Adivasi communities. Their livelihoods, culture, and subsistence practices are deeply linked to forest resources.
Nobel Prize in Economics 2025
15-10-2025
Source: ET
Why in News?
The 2025 Nobel Prize in Economic Sciences was jointly awarded to Joel Mokyr (Netherlands), Philippe Aghion(Paris), and Peter Howitt(Canada) for explaining innovation-driven economic growth and how societies must counter stagnation to sustain development.

What are the Key Highlights of the Nobel Prize in Economics 2025?
- Laureates and Core Contribution:
- Joel Mokyr received one-half of the prize for identifying prerequisites for sustained growth through technological progress.
- Mokyr used historical data to reveal why sustained technological innovation is vital for continuous economic growth.
- Philippe Aghion and Peter Howitt shared the other half of the theory of sustained growth via creative destruction.
- Aghion and Howitt developed a mathematical model describing "creative destruction," where new products and technologies replace outdated ones, propelling economic expansion.
- Significance of the Research:
- The work explains why the past two centuries experienced consistent global economic growth, improving living standards and well-being worldwide.
- It disrupts the assumption that economic growth is automatic, emphasizing the fragility of progress and the necessity to maintain innovation-driven mechanisms.
- Implications and Policy Insights:
- Their research highlights the importance for regions like Europe to integrate competition with proactive industrial policy, learning from examples like the US and China.
- The theory underscores the need for economies to encourage continuous innovation and adaptation for sustained prosperity.
Did you Know?
- Amartya Sen (1998): Awarded the Nobel Prize in Economic Sciences for his work on welfare economics, poverty, and human development, emphasizing that economic growth alone is insufficient, and development must focus on capabilities, rights, and freedoms.
- Abhijit Banerjee (2019): Shared the Nobel Prize in Economic Sciences with Esther Duflo and Michael Kremer for their pioneering work on experimental approaches to alleviating global poverty, introducing randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to evaluate social and economic interventions.
- Nobel Prize in Economic Sciences: In 1968, Sweden’s central bank, Sveriges Riksbank, established the Prize in Economic Sciences in Memory of Alfred Nobel on its 300th anniversary, funded through a donation to the Nobel Foundation.
- Awarded by the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences, it follows the same principles as the original Nobel Prizes and carries equal monetary value.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1.Who were the recipients of the 2025 Nobel Prize in Economic Sciences ?
Joel Mokyr; Philippe Aghion & Peter Howitt.
2. What are the core contributions of the 2025 Nobel-winning research in economics?
Innovation-driven economic growth, explains the Scientific-Technical Synergy behind Sustained Growth and the theory of creative destruction.
3. How does the research provide policy insights for economic growth?
Highlights need for competition, industrial policy, and continuous innovation.
Software Technology Parks of India
15-07-2025
Source: TH
The Software Technology Parks of India (STPI) is expanding beyond traditional metro hubs to promote inclusive IT growth, focusing on Tier 2 and 3 cities.
- It aims to encourage entrepreneurship in software, business process management, and product innovation to build India’s largest tech startup ecosystem under the National Policy on Software Products (NPSP) 2019.
- STPI: Established in 1991, the STPI is an autonomous society registered under the Societies Registration Act, 1860.
- It was set up under the then Department of Electronics (now Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology) to implement the Software Technology Park (STP) and Electronics Hardware Technology Park (EHTP) schemes.
- It provides high-speed data communication, incubation facilities, and supports start-ups across India through initiatives like Centres of Entrepreneurship (CoEs) and the Next Generation Incubation Scheme (NGIS).
- Achievements: Currently operating 67 centres, with 59 in non-metro locations, STPI created 17 lakh sq. ft. of incubation space to support startups and MSMEs in smaller towns.
- STPI-registered units contributed USD 110 billion to India’s total software exports of over USD 200 billion in FY 2024–25. About USD 90 billion came from special economic zones-based companies.
- STPI has created 24 CoEs nationwide to encourage a start-up culture in the product space.
- Since 2023, STPI has supported 1,500 startups, 800 Intellectual Property Rights (IPRs), and over 2,000 product innovations.
Astra Missile
15-07-2025
Source: HT
The DRDO and Indian Air Force (IAF) has successfully test-fired the indigenous Beyond Visual Range Air-to-Air Missile (BVRAAM) 'Astra' with an indigenously developed Radio Frequency (RF) Seeker from a Su-30 Mk-I fighter aircraft off the coast of Odisha.
BVRAAM Astra:
- About: Astra is India’s first indigenous BVRAAM, designed to target enemy aircraft beyond line-of-sight.
- It is equipped with a DRDO-developed indigenous Radio Frequency (RF) Seeker, which enables the missile to detect, track, and lock onto targets using radar, ensuring high accuracy in the terminal phase.
- Key Features:
- Astra is India’s first indigenous BVRAAM, capable of engaging supersonic, manoeuvrable targets beyond 100 km and up to 20 km altitude.
- Uses inertial navigation, mid-course data link updates, and active radar homing, with a smokeless solid-fuel engine for enhanced stealth.
- Equipped with a DRDO-developed active RF seeker, enabling fire-and-forget and buddy launch mode, where one aircraft launches and another guides.
Indigenous Mounted Gun System (MGS):
- DRDO’s Vehicle Research and Development Establishment (VRDE) has developed a fully indigenous 155mm/52 calibre MGS, which can be deployed in just 80 seconds.
- MGS is a type of mobile artillery weapon where a large-calibre gun (like a 155mm howitzer) is mounted on a wheeled or tracked vehicle instead of being towed separately.
Su-30MKI:
- The Su-30MKI is a twin-engine multirole fighter developed by Russia’s Sukhoi and built by HAL for the IAF.
- Inducted in 2002, it performs air superiority, ground attack, electronic warfare, and maritime strike roles, and is a key asset in India’s combat fleet.

Catastrophe Bonds for Natural Disasters
15-07-2025
Source: TH
Why in News?
India’s limited disaster insurance coverage increases financial vulnerability during natural disasters. In light of rising climate-induced disasters, Catastrophe Bonds (Cat Bonds) present a strategic option for enhancing disaster risk financing and resilience.
Bonds
- Bonds are debt instruments where an investor lends money to a government, corporation, or other entity for a fixed period.
- In return, the investor receives regular interest payments (called coupons) and gets back the principal amount at the end of the bond’s term (maturity).
What are Catastrophe Bonds?
- About: Catastrophe Bonds are insurance-linked securities that transfer the financial risk of natural disasters (earthquakes, cyclones, or floods) from governments or insurers to private investors through global financial markets.
- These hybrid instruments combine insurance and bond features, raising quick funds for post-disaster relief.
- Investors earn high returns for bearing the risk but may lose their investment if a major disaster occurs.
- Primarily purchased by institutional investors like pension funds and hedge funds due to their complexity and high investment thresholds.
- Cat-bonds are now increasingly attracting retail investors, especially after becoming the best-performing hedge fund strategy in 2023.

- Key Features:
- High Returns: Investors are compensated with higher returns than regular government or corporate bonds, due to the risk of losing the principal.
- Diversification: Cat bond risks are not correlated with financial market movements, offering diversification.
- Quick Capital Mobilization: Enables faster payouts post-disaster, reducing dependence on delayed aid or budget reallocation.
- Multi-Year Coverage: Can provide multi-year disaster protection for governments.
- Fiscal Buffer: Reduces pressure on central and state government finances after disasters.
- Investor Vigilance: Encourages improved disaster preparedness and investment in risk mitigation technologies.
- Global Trends: Since their inception in the late 1990s, over USD 180 billion in Cat Bonds have been issued globally, with around USD 50 billion currently active.
What is the Significance of Catastrophe Bonds for India?
- India, being highly vulnerable to climate-related disasters such as cyclones, floods, and earthquakes, faces rising challenges in disaster risk financing as insurers raise premiums or exit the market.
- Since FY 2021-22, the government has been allocating USD 1.8 billion annually for disaster mitigation, making India well-positioned to explore Cat Bonds potentially in partnership with intermediaries like the World Bank or Asian Development Bank (ADB).
- India can lead a South Asian Cat Bond initiative to cover transboundary disaster risks like earthquakes in Nepal, Bhutan, and India, or cyclones impacting India, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka.
- A regional approach would spread risk, reduce premium costs, and enhance financial resilience against natural disasters across participating countries.
UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Question (PYQ)
Q.1 In the context of the Indian economy, non-financial debt includes which of the following? (2020)
- Housing loans owed by households
- Amounts outstanding on credit cards
- Treasury bills
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) 1 only
(b) 1 and 2 only
(c) 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Ans: (d)
Q.2 Consider the following statements: (2018)
- The Reserve Bank of India manages and services Government of India Securities but not any State Government Securities.
- Treasury bills are issued by the Government of India and there are no treasury bills issued by the State Governments.
- Treasury bills offer are issued at a discount from the par value.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 3 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Ans: (c)
Q.3 In the context of Indian economy, ‘Open Market Operations’ refers to (2013)
(a) borrowing by scheduled banks from the RBI
(b) lending by commercial banks to industry and trade
(c) purchase and sale of government securities by the RBI
(d) None of the above
Ans: (c)
Governor’s Rule in Chakma Autonomous District Council
15-01-2026
Source: TH
The Governor of Mizoram has extended Governor’s Rule in the Chakma Autonomous District Council (CADC) for another six months, citing continued political instability despite the State Cabinet opposing the extension.
- Governor’s Rule was first imposed in the CADC in July 2025 due to prolonged political instability.
- CADC: It was constituted in 1972 under the Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution to protect the political and cultural interests of the Chakma people in Mizoram.
- It exercises legislative, executive, and judicial powers over designated subjects within its jurisdiction.
- The Chakma People: They are the second-largest Scheduled Tribe in Mizoram after the Mizo, speaking Chakma (Changma Bhajchare).
- They are a Buddhist community traditionally practising Jhum cultivation and are settled across the Chittagong Hill Tracts and parts of northeast India (primarily Mizoram, Tripura, and Arunachal Pradesh).
- District Council under Sixth Schedule: The Sixth Schedule aims to ensure self-governance of tribal areas in Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura, and Mizoram, while protecting tribal land, resources, culture, and identity from exploitation.
- Under Article 244(2), these areas are administered as Autonomous District Council (ADC), which may be further divided into Autonomous Regions.
- The Governor has powers to create, alter, or reorganise these areas.
- Each autonomous district has a District Council of up to 30 members (maximum 4 nominated, rest elected), and each autonomous region has a Regional Council.
- These councils can make laws on land, forests (excluding reserved forests), inheritance, and regulation of non-tribal moneylending and trade, subject to the Governor’s assent.
- Governor's Rule in Autonomous Councils: Under the Sixth Schedule, the Governor may intervene in an ADC during administrative breakdown, temporarily assuming its powers.
- Such intervention is expected to be done in consultation with the state government, in line with the federal spirit.
First Indian Appointed to Chair the ABDM
15-01-2026
Source: ET
Senior Indian diplomat DB Venkatesh Varma has been nominated by the UN Secretary General to chair the Advisory Board on Disarmament Matters (ABDM) for the 2026–27 term.
- The ABDM has earlier included Indian diplomats as members, but 2026 marks the first time an Indian has been appointed as its Chair.
- ABDM: It was established in 1978 following the 10th Special Session of the UN General Assembly.
- It functions as an expert advisory body to the UN Secretary-General on issues related to arms limitation and disarmament.
- Composition: The ABDM consists of 15 members, selected by the Secretary-General from all regions of the world based on their expertise in disarmament and international security.
- The Director of United Nations Institute for Disarmament Research (UNIDIR) serves as an ex officio member, and the chairpersonship rotates annually by region or discussion theme.
- Working & Sessions: The ABDM meets twice a year, alternating between New York and Geneva.
- Its agenda is framed around requests from the Secretary-General as well as the Board’s own recommendations.
- After each session, the Chair submits a private report to the Secretary-General, who in turn presents an annual report to the UN General Assembly on the Board’s activities.
- Functions: The Board advises the Secretary-General on arms control and disarmament policies, supports research and studies within the UN system, acts as the Board of Trustees of UNIDIR, and guides the UN Disarmament Information Programme, contributing to global peace and security through expert-led cooperation.
Source Code of Smartphones
15-01-2026
Source:TH
The Union government and the MAIT (Manufacturers’ Association for Information Technology) (apex body representing India's electronics & ICT hardware sector) have refuted reports claiming that smartphone manufacturers would be required to disclose their source code, clarifying that no such demand is under consideration.
- Source Code: It is the fundamental set of programmed instructions that controls a smartphone’s operating system, hardware functions, and applications, enabling the device to run securely and efficiently.
- While parts of Android are open-source, manufacturers add proprietary modifications and hardware-specific adaptations.
- However, the source code is kept confidential because it protects commercial secrets and acts as a critical security barrier, preventing misuse and exploitation.
- Limitations of Source Code Disclosure: Full source code disclosure is rare globally, except in limited defence contexts.
- Revealing internal code can increase vulnerability to cyberattacks and data breaches.
- Even global firms like Apple do not share full source code with governments.
- Regulation of Source Code: No law mandates public disclosure of source code by private companies in India.
- Earlier telecom-related standards, including the Indian Telecom Security Assurance Requirements (ITSAR), 2023 issued by the National Centre for Communication Security (NCSS) under the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), which mentioned source code disclosure, were amended in 2025 to remove such provisions.
- Earlier, smartphones were covered under the Mandatory Testing and Certification of Telecommunication Equipment (MTCTE) framework, which stems from the Indian Telegraph (Amendment) Rules, 2017.
- Policy oversight follows a consultative, non-intrusive approach, now any security review requires only internal test reports excluding intellectual property (IP).
- The framework balances cybersecurity, ease of doing business, and IP protection, in line with global practices.
Makar Sankranti 2026
15-01-2026
Source: IE
Makar Sankranti is a pan-India harvest festival, observed on 14th January, marked by regionally diverse customs and celebrations.
- Solar & Astronomical Basis: Unlike most Hindu festivals, it follows the solar calendar, falling consistently around 14th January, marking the Sun’s northward journey (Uttarayan) into Capricorn (Makara).
- It represents the shift from winter to warmer months, symbolizing the end of inactivity.
- Agrarian & Seasonal Significance: It is primarily a harvest festival, signaling the end of winter and the start of a new agricultural cycle, fostering gratitude for nature’s abundance.
- Regional Diversity: Celebrated under various names and customs:
- Pongal in Tamil Nadu (a four-day festival with kolam decorations).
- Lohri in Punjab (bonfires and community singing).
- Magh Bihu in Assam (feasts, meji bonfires, and community meals).
- Khichdi in Bihar (traditional rice and lentil dish).
- Kite-flying in Gujarat and Rajasthan (e.g., Ahmedabad’s International Kite Festival).
- Social & Unifying Message: Traditions of exchanging sweets (like sesame-jaggery preparations) promote harmony, sharing, and community bonding, reinforcing social goodwill.

Ammonium Nitrate
14-11-2025
Source: ET
Why in News?
A blast near Delhi’s Red Fort has put “Ammonium Nitrate” in the spotlight, as investigators suspect the chemical may have been used in the explosion by a “white-collar” terror module linked to Jaish-e-Mohammed.
What is Ammonium Nitrate?
- About: Pure ammonium nitrate (NH₄NO₃) is a white, crystalline, water-soluble, nitrogen-rich compound made by reacting ammonia with nitric acid, and it melts at about 170°C.
- The substance is classified as an oxidising agent. It is one of the base ingredients used in the manufacture of commercial explosives.
- It is classified as a dual-use substance, meaning it has legitimate industrial uses but can also be weaponised.
- Legitimate Uses of Ammonium Nitrate: In agriculture, it is widely used as a nitrogen fertilizer due to its high nutrient content.
- It is used for controlled blasting in quarries and excavation projects, and also forms a key component of various emulsions and gels used in mining-grade explosives.
- Weaponization of Ammonium Nitrate: Pure ammonium nitrate is not explosive by itself and is classified as an oxidiser under United Nations classification of dangerous goods.
- It becomes volatile when combined with fuel oil, potassium chlorate, sulphur or other accelerants. This mixture creates ANFO (Ammonium Nitrate Fuel Oil), a commonly used explosive.
- However, ANFO cannot detonate on its own, it requires a trigger such as a detonator, often initiated with primary explosives like RDX or TNT.
- ANFO is frequently used by terror groups to make Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs).
- Ammonium Nitrate has been repeatedly exploited in major terror attacks in India, including the 2019 Pulwama attack and multiple Indian Mujahideen strikes between 2000 and 2011 in Mumbai and Delhi.
- Regulation: All activities (manufacture, conversion, bagging, import, export, transport, possession, sale, and use) are governed under the Ammonium Nitrate Rules, 2012.
- Storage of large quantities in populated areas is prohibited under these rules.
- A separate Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation (PESO)-issued licence under the Ammonium Nitrate Rules, 2012 is required for carrying out any activity involving ammonium nitrate.
- Industrial licence under the Industrial Development and Regulation Act, 1951 is mandatory for manufacturing ammonium nitrate.
- Any mixture containing over 45% ammonium nitrate (including emulsions, suspensions, melts, or gels) is legally classified as an explosive under the Explosives Act, 1884.
- However, this does not apply to fertilisers from which ammonium nitrate cannot be extracted by physical or chemical methods.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is ammonium nitrate?
Ammonium nitrate (NH₄NO₃) is a nitrogen-rich oxidiser used as fertilizer and in controlled blasting; mixed with fuel oil it forms ANFO, a commonly weaponised IED component, making it a high-risk dual-use chemical.
2. Which laws and agencies regulate ammonium nitrate in India?
Activities involving ammonium nitrate are regulated under the Ammonium Nitrate Rules, 2012, the Explosives Act, 1884, and manufacture also requires industrial licence under the Industrial Development & Regulation Act, 1951.
3. When is an ammonium nitrate mixture legally treated as an explosive?
Any mixture (emulsion, gel, melt, suspension) containing over 45% ammonium nitrate is legally classified as an explosive under the Explosives Act, 1884, and attracts stricter controls.
NGT Flags Severe Chromium Contamination in Drinking Water
14-11-2025
Source: TH
The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has raised serious concerns over the lack of adequate safe drinking water in chromium-contaminated regions of Uttar Pradesh, directing the State government to ensure immediate and sufficient water supply.
- Chromium (Cr) is a potentially toxic metal occurring in water and groundwater as a result of natural and anthropogenic sources.
- Hexavalent form Cr(VI) is highly toxic, its exposure can cause severe health problems, including skin disorders, respiratory issues, and cancer.
- However, trivalent chromium (Cr(III)) is considered essential in trace amounts for the normal nutrition of humans and animals.
- Sources of Chromium Contamination in Water Bodies: Chromium contamination enters water bodies mainly through industrial effluents, mining waste, urban runoff, polluted irrigation, improper disposal, and accidental spills.
- Natural leaching from chromium-rich rocks also adds to groundwater pollution.
- Regulation: As per Indian standard (IS) 10500 for drinking water, the maximum permissible concentration of Cr(VI) in drinking water is 50 microgram per litre.
- Remedy for Chromium Pollution: Methods like adsorption (attachment of pollutants to surfaces), biosorption (use of biological materials to absorb pollutants), and ion exchange (replacing harmful ions with less toxic ones) are commonly used, though they vary in cost and efficiency.
- Advanced techniques, such as sunlight-driven photocatalysis with TiO2 nanoparticles, offer high efficiency in reducing Cr(VI) to Cr(III).

Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers’ Rights (PPV&FRA) Act, 2001
14-11-2025
Source: PIB
Why in News?
India marked the Silver Jubilee of the Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers’ Rights (PPV&FRA) Act, 2001 and the 21st Foundation Day of PPV&FRA with the Plant Genome Saviour Awards Ceremony in New Delhi.
- The award honours individuals who conserve and preserve the genetic diversity of economically important plants and their wild relatives.
What is the Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers’ Rights (PPV&FRA) Act, 2001?
- About: The PPV&FR Act, 2001 under the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, establishes a sui generis system for protecting plant varieties.
- The Act provides legal recognition to both commercial plant breeders and farmers, promoting conservation and improvement of plant genetic resources.
- It also aligns with India's TRIPS obligations and the International Union for Protection of New Plant Varieties (UPOV Convention) addressing the country's agricultural needs.
- Rights under the Act:
- Breeders’ Rights: Breeders get exclusive rights to produce, sell, market, distribute, import, or export protected varieties. They may appoint agents or licensees and can seek legal action for infringement.
- Researchers’ Rights: Researchers may use any registered variety for experiments or to develop new varieties but repeated use needs prior permission of the registered breeder.
- Farmers’ Rights: Under the act, a farmer who has evolved or developed a new variety is entitled to register it and receive protection in the same manner as a breeder.
- A farmer can continue to save, use, sow, re-sow, exchange, share, or sell his farm produce, including seed, even if the variety is protected under the PPV&FR Act, but he cannot sell it as branded seed.
- Implementing Authority: Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers’ Rights Authority (PPV&FRA) is the primary body responsible for the implementation of the Act.
- Significance: The act promotes agricultural innovation while ensuring seed sovereignty for farmers.
- It protects traditional knowledge and rewards community conservation efforts.
- It supports both public and private sector plant breeding institutions and enhances India's compliance with global IPR norms without compromising food and livelihood security.
Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers’ Rights Authority (PPV&FRA)
- About: The PPV&FRA was formally set up on 11 November 2005 is a statutory body established under the PPV&FRA, 2001, under the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare, Government of India. It is headquartered in New Delhi.
- Composition: The Authority is led by a Chairperson and has 15 members. The Registrar General serves as the ex-officio Member Secretary.
- Objectives: The PPV&FRA provides breeders’ rights, rewards farmers for conserving traditional varieties, protects farmers’ rights to use and share farm-saved seed, supports research and innovation.
- It maintains the National Register of Plant Varieties, helping preserve biodiversity and traditional knowledge.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the PPV&FRA Act, 2001?
The PPV&FRA Act, 2001 is a sui generis law that provides intellectual property protection to plant breeders while formally recognising farmers’ rights to save, use, exchange and sell farm-saved seed and register farmer-developed varieties.
2. Who implements the PPV&FRA and what is its function?
The Protection of Plant Varieties & Farmers’ Rights Authority (PPV&FRA), headquartered in New Delhi, implements the Act, maintains the National Register of Plant Varieties and adjudicates rights, benefit-sharing and registrations.
3. What rights does a breeder get under the Act?
Registered breeders obtain exclusive rights to produce, sell, market, distribute, import or export the protected variety and can license or take legal action against infringement.
UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Question (PYQ)
Q. Consider the following statements: (2019)
- According to the Indian Patents Act, a biological process to create a seed can be patented in India.
- In India, there is no Intellectual Property Appellate Board.
- Plant varieties are not eligible to be patented in India.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 3 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Ans: (c)
Discovery of Largest and Most Distant Black Hole Flare
14-11-2025
Source: IE
Astronomers have detected the largest and most distant flare from a black hole, originating from the supermassive black hole at the heart of the Active Galactic Nucleus (AGN) J2245+3743, located 10 billion light-years away from Earth.
- Brightest Flare: First observed in 2018, this black hole is responsible for the brightest flare ever recorded, linked to a tidal disruption event (TDE) caused by the consumption of a star.
- A TDE is a cataclysmic phenomenon where a star is torn apart by the intense gravitational forces of a supermassive black hole, releasing an intense flash of radiation.
- Flare Characteristics: The flare intensified by 40 times over several months, peaking at 30 times the brightness of any previous black hole flare and releasing energy equivalent to 10 trillion suns.
- Star Consumption: In 2023, data from the Keck Observatory confirmed the flare’s intense energy and ruled out the possibility of a supernova, showing that the star being consumed is 30 times the mass of the Sun, much larger than those in previous TDEs.
- Time Dilation Effect: The black hole's immense gravity causes cosmological time dilation, stretching the light and allowing researchers to observe the event at a slower pace, offering valuable insights into black hole dynamics.
- Solar Flare: A solar flare is a powerful explosion on the Sun caused by the sudden release of energy stored in twisted magnetic fields, often above sunspots, appearing as bright areas on the Sun.
- These flares can last from minutes to hours, heating materials to millions of degrees and emitting a burst of radiation across the electromagnetic spectrum, including radio waves, x-rays, and gamma rays.

Information Technology(IT) Act, 2000
14-10-2025
Source: PIB
The Ministry of Electronics and IT (MeitY) organised a national workshop to streamline the issuance of notices under Sections 69A and 79(3)(b) of the Information Technology Act, 2000, ensuring legal clarity and constitutional balance in regulating content on digital platforms.
IT Act, 2000
- About: The Information Technology Act, 2000, is the primary legislation in India governing cyber activities, including electronic commerce, digital signatures, and cybercrimes.
- Key Features:
- Legitimizes electronic records and digital signatures.
- Establishes CERT-In as a nodal agency for cybersecurity.
- Defines responsibilities of intermediaries (e.g., social media platforms).
- Enables formation of the Appellate Tribunal for dispute resolution.
- Key Provisions:
- Section 69A: Empowers the government to block public access to any information through any computer resource if it threatens national security, public order, or relations with foreign states.
- Section 79: Grants safe harbour protection to intermediaries, shielding them from liability for user-generated content.
- Section 79(3)(b): Removes safe harbour protection if an intermediary fails to block/remove unlawful content upon government notification.
- Rule 3(1)(d) of the IT Rules, 2021: Specifies the due diligence to be observed by intermediaries, including the requirement to remove or disable access to unlawful information upon receiving actual knowledge.
- Section 66A: The Supreme Court, in the landmark case Shreya Singhal vs. Union of India(2015), struck down Section 66A of the IT Act, 2000. The Court held the provision "vague" and "unconstitutional", stating it imposed arbitrary restrictions on freedom of speech under Article 19(1)(a).
- Importance:
- These provisions are central to balancing state regulation, user rights, and platform responsibilities in India’s digital ecosystem.
National Household Income Survey (NHIS) 2026
14-10-2025
Source: PIB
The Ministry of Statistics & Programme Implementation (MoSPI) plans to launch the National Household Income Survey (NHIS) in February 2026.
- NHIS 2026 will be the first-ever pan-India household income survey. This survey will enable inter-personal income comparisons and detailed analysis of income sources, addressing a long-standing data gap in India’s socio-economic statistics.
- Purpose: NHIS 2026 aims to capture living conditions, income and expenditure patterns, and provide critical data for rebasing the Consumer Price Index (CPI), preparing National Accounts, and conducting poverty and hardship analysis.
- The National Statistics Office (NSO) under MoSPI has conducted large-scale household surveys since 1950.
- The National Sample Survey (NSS) provides key official statistics on household welfare, consumption, employment, health, assets, and indebtedness, supporting evidence-based policymaking.
- Global Context: Countries like the US, Canada, UK, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, China, and Malaysia already collect household income data through surveys. The NHIS will bring India in line with these international best practices.
Negotiations for India-Oman CEPA Concluded
14-08-2025
Source: ET
India concluded negotiations for the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) with Oman, aimed at boosting trade and investment.
- CEPA is a free trade agreement that encompasses trade in goods and services, along with broader economic cooperation in areas such as trade facilitation, competition policy, and intellectual property rights (IPR).
- It is broader than a standard FTA, also addressing regulatory issues to ensure smooth and predictable trade.
India-Oman Bilateral Relations:
- Strategic Partnership: Oman, bordering the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Yemen, is a key Gulf partner. Diplomatic relations were established in 1955 which was upgraded to strategic partnership in 2008.
- Trade and Economic Relations: Oman is the third-largest export destination among the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries for India, following UAE and Saudi Arabia.
- Bilateral trade reached USD 10.61 billion (FY 2024-25), with India’s key exports including light oils, rice, machinery, and metals, while imports mainly consisted of crude oil, LNG, fertilizers, and chemicals.
- Multilateral Cooperation: Oman is an important interlocutor in the GCC, Arab League, and IORA.


India’s First Earth Observation Satellite Constellation
14-08-2025
Source:TH
India is set to launch its first fully indigenous commercial earth observation (EO) satellite constellation, led by a private consortium under a public-private partnership model.
- Bengaluru-based PixxelSpace-led consortium has been selected by Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe) to build and operate India’s first EO satellite constellation.
- The consortium will build 12 satellites over five years, and launch, operate them, develop ground infrastructure, and commercialise the data.
- The constellation will include a variety of satellites with high resolution, wide coverage, including Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) and hyper-spectral satellites.
- Developed satellites will provide Analysis Ready Data (ARD) and Value-Added Services (VAS) for climate change monitoring, disaster management, agriculture, infrastructure, marine surveillance, national security, urban planning and meet global demand for geospatial intelligence.
- This initiative ensures data sovereignty and reduces dependence on foreign satellite data.
- IN-SPACe: It is a single-window, independent, nodal agency under the Department of Space that enables and regulates private sector participation in satellites, launch vehicles, and space services, acting as a link between Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and non-governmental entities.
Dhirio Bull Fighting of Goa
14-08-2025
Source: IE
There has been a demand in Goa to legalize Dhirio or Dhiri bull fighting for cultural and tourism reasons. Despite its ban the practice continues in some villages of Goa.
- Origins & Nature: It is a traditional Goan sport from the Portuguese era in which 2 specially bred and trained bulls engage in a contest of strength.
- It differs from Spanish bullfighting as it involves no matadors or ritual killing.
- Cultural Significance: Integral to church feasts and agrarian celebrations, it is a popular social event and drawing devoted local followings.
- Conduct of the Sport: Held in paddy fields or football grounds during village feasts or post-harvest celebrations.
- Legal Status: It was banned by Bombay High Court in 1997 under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960. The HC decision was upheld by the Supreme Court (SC) in 1997.
- Jallikattu (bull-taming sport of Tamil Nadu) was banned by SC in 2014 for animal cruelty, but later upheld by SC in 2023 as part of Tamil Nadu’s culture.
Reversal on ELV Fuel Ban
14-07-2025
Source: TH
The Delhi government has rolled back its fuel ban on end-of-life vehicles (ELVs)-Petrol cars over 15 years and diesel vehicles over 10 years as directed by the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM).
- CAQM is a statutory body for ensuring coordinated action, scientific research, and effective resolution of air pollution issues in the Delhi NCR and adjoining areas.
Legal Mandate for Fuel Ban on ELVs:
- NGT Orders (2015): NGT banned diesel vehicles over 10 years and petrol vehicles over 15 years in Delhi-NCR and barred their re-registration.
- Supreme Court (SC) Ruling (2018): SC in MC Mehta vs Union Of India, 2018 case upheld NGT orders and permitted impounding of non-compliant vehicles.
- Motor Vehicles Act, 1988: Under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, private vehicle registration is valid for 15 years, after which renewal is required.
- Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989: Expired registration makes a vehicle legally unfit for road use.
- Environment Protection (End-of-Life Vehicles) Rules, 2025: Mandates scrapping of vehicles within 180 days of registration expiry.
State of Air pollution in India:
- Air pollution poses a severe public health challenge in India, contributing to approximately 1.67 million deaths each year, according to the WHO, and is responsible for 17% of all deaths nationwide, as reported by the State of Global Air 2023.
- The 2024 World Air Quality Report (IQAir) ranks India as the 5th most polluted country, with an average PM2.5 level of 50.6 µg/m³, ten times above the WHO safe limit. Delhi remains the world’s most polluted capital.
50 years of National Emergency
14-06-2025
Source: IE
Why in News?
50 years ago, on 12th June 1975, the Allahabad High Court invalidated Indira Gandhi's 1971 election in Indira Nehru Gandhi v. Shri Raj Narain Case, 1975 leading to the declaration of a national emergency (NE) on 25th June 1975 that continued till March 1977.
What are Key Facts About the Indira Nehru Gandhi v. Shri Raj Narain Case, 1975?
- About: It is a landmark in India’s constitutional and democratic history, arising from the 1971 general elections, where Prime Minister Indira Gandhi defeated socialist leader Raj Narain, leading to a legal challenge on grounds of electoral malpractices.
- Electoral Context and Allegations: Raj Narain alleged that Indira Gandhi misused government machinery and public funds for electoral gain, violating the Representation of the People Act, 1951, and filed a petition in the Allahabad High Court seeking to invalidate her election on grounds of these alleged malpractices.
- Allahabad High Court Verdict: The court found Indira Gandhi guilty of misusing government machinery for election campaigning.
- As a result, her election was invalidated and she was disqualified from holding Prime Ministerial office.
- Appeal in Supreme Court: Indira Gandhi appealed the High Court’s decision in the Supreme Court, seeking both a stay on the High Court’s order and an opportunity to contest its findings.
- Declaration of Emergency: Amidst political turmoil, on 25th June 1975, Indira Gandhi’s government declared a National Emergency, leading to the suspension of civil liberties, press censorship, and postponement of elections.
What are Key Facts About National Emergency?
- About National Emergency: NE is proclaimed by the President under Article 352 when the security of India or a part of it is threatened by War, External Aggression (external emergency), or Armed Rebellion (internal emergency).
- The 38th Amendment Act, 1975 allowed the President to issue Emergency proclamations on grounds of war, external aggression, armed rebellion, or imminent danger thereof, while the 44th Amendment Act, 1978 replaced "internal disturbance" with "armed rebellion".
- Territorial Extent: NE can extend to the whole of the country or only a part of it. 42nd Amendment Act, 1976 enabled the President to limit the operation of NE to a specific part of India.
- Parliamentary Approval: As per the 44th Amendment Act, 1978, a NE must be approved by both Houses within one month by a special majority (originally two months).
- If the Lok Sabha is dissolved at the time of declaration, the Rajya Sabha’s approval remains valid, but the reconstituted Lok Sabha must approve it within 30 days of its first sitting.
- Duration: It continues for 6 months, and can be extended to indefinite period with approval of Parliament for every 6 months (44th Amendment Act 1978).
- Revocation: It can be revoked anytime by the president without requirement of approval by Parliament.
- The Lok Sabha can pass a resolution to disapprove the continuation of a National Emergency. If one-tenth of its total members submit a written notice to the Speaker (if in session) or to the President (if not in session), a special sitting must be held within 14 days. The resolution must be passed by a simple majority.
- Judicial Review: The 38th Amendment Act, 1975 made the Emergency declaration immune to judicial review. This was later reversed by the 44th Amendment Act, 1978.
- In the Minerva Mills case, 1980, the Supreme Court held that a Proclamation of NE can be challenged if it is mala fide, based on irrelevant or extraneous facts, or is absurd or perverse.
What are the Implications of Imposition of National Emergency on Constitutional Framework?
- On Centre-State Relations:
- Executive: The Centre is empowered to issue executive directions to states on any matter, bringing state governments under complete control of the Centre—though they are not suspended.
- Legislature: The state legislature is not suspended, but Parliament can make laws on any subject in the State List. Such laws cease to operate six months after the Emergency ends. If Parliament is not in session, the President can issue ordinances on state subjects. Additionally, Parliament can confer powers and impose duties on the Centre or its authorities regarding matters outside the Union List.
- Financial: The President can modify the constitutional distribution of revenues between the Centre and states, including reducing or cancelling transfers. Such modifications remain valid till the end of the financial year in which the Emergency ends, and every order must be laid before both Houses of Parliament.
- Life of Legislature:
- Lok Sabha: It may be extended beyond its normal term (5 years) by a law of Parliament for one year at a time (for any length of time).
- State Legislative Assembly: Parliament can extend the tenure of a State Legislative Assembly by one year at a time, for any duration. However, the extension cannot go beyond six months after the Emergency ceases to operate.
- On Fundamental Rights: Article 358 automatically suspends Article 19 for the entire duration of a National Emergency declared on grounds of war or external aggression (External Emergency). It applies only to Article 19 and extends to the entire country.
- Article 359 requires a Presidential Order to suspend Fundamental Rights (FRs) for the entire duration of Emergency or a shorter period. It applies to all FRs mentioned in the Order, except Articles 20 and 21, operates in both internal and external emergencies, and may extend to part or the entire country.
UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Question (PYQ)
Q. Which of the following is/are the exclusive power(s) of Lok Sabha?(2022)
- To ratify the declaration of Emergency
- To pass a motion of no-confidence against the Council of Ministers
- To impeach the President of India
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) 1 and 2
(b) 2 only
(c) 1 and 3
(d) 3 only
Ans: (b)
Q. If the President of India exercises his power as provided under Article 356 of the Constitution in respect of a particular State, then(2018)
(a) the Assembly of the State is automatically dissolved.
(b) the powers of the Legislature of that State shall be exercisable by or under the authority of the Parliament.
(c) Article 19 is suspended in that State.
(d) the President can make laws relating to that State.
Ans: (b)

Deep Seafloor Exploration
14-06-2025
Source: TH
A study has revealed that about 99.999% of the Earth’s deep seafloor, which covers two-thirds of the Earth area below 200 meters depth, remains visually unexplored.
- More than 97% of dives were conducted by just 5 countries (US, Japan, New Zealand, France, and Germany).
- Exploration has been biased toward geomorphological features like ridges and canyons, while vast abyssal plains, which cover the majority of the seafloor remain under-studied.
Deep Ocean:
- The deep ocean refers to the part of the ocean at depths greater than 200 meters, where sunlight no longer penetrates .
- The deep ocean is cold, with an average temperature of just 4°C, and is subjected to extreme pressures ranging from 40 to over 110 times that of Earth's atmosphere.
- The deep ocean region lacks photosynthesis due to absence of light and is nutrient-poor, yet life thrives in its harsh conditions.
- The mesopelagic zone (200–1,000 m), hosts about 90% of global fish biomass. It includes species like fish, squid and krill.
- India launched the Deep Ocean Mission (DOM) in 2021 to explore and sustainably harness deep-sea resources.
- Significance of Exploration: Exploration of the deep ocean offers potential sources of energy (such as oil, gas, methane hydrate, and ocean currents), a promising reservoir for new antibiotics, the discovery of polymetallic nodules, and critical insights into understanding, predicting, and mitigating climate change.
Marine Snow
- It is a steady fall of organic matter, like dead plankton, fecal pellets, and mucus from the ocean surface to the deep sea. It sustains deep-sea life in the absence of sunlight and plays a crucial role in the carbon cycle by transporting carbon to ocean depths, aiding long-term sequestration and climate regulation.

IREDA Bags ‘Excellent’ Ratings
14-06-2025
Source: PIB
The Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency Ltd. (IREDA) was awarded an 'Excellent' rating for its exceptional performance in the Power and NBFC sectors by the Department of Public Enterprises (DPE).
- IREDA received the 'Excellent' rating for the fourth consecutive year, based on its annual performance for FY 2023-24.
- This recognition highlights IREDA’s leadership in green financing and reaffirms its dedication to nation-building through promoting sustainable energy solutions.
IREDA:
- IREDA is a Navratna public sector company under MNRE, established in 1987 as a Non-Banking Financial Institution.
- It is the largest green financing NBFC in India, dedicated to promoting, developing, and financing renewable energy and energy efficiency projects, while supporting the sector by encouraging lending from banks and financial institutions.
DPE Ratings:
- The DPE, under the Ministry of Finance, formulates policies on CPSEs' performance, autonomy, and finance, and publishes the Public Enterprises Survey for monitoring.
- DPE Ratings annually assess CPSEs on MoU targets like profitability and efficiency, grading them from Poor to Excellent to ensure accountability and transparency.
India's Renewable Energy Initiatives:


Snail Infestation in Cardamom
14-06-2025
Source: TH
The cardamom-growing regions of Idukki, Kerala, are facing threat from small snail infestations following heavy summer rains. Snails feed on new panicles, flowers, and young capsules, causing crop damage, reduced yield, and quality loss.
- Farmers are using chemical sprays like metaldehyde (as a last resort) to control snail infestations.
Cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum)
- About: Known as the “Queen of Spices,” it is a highly aromatic spice from the Zingiberaceae (ginger) family.
- It is native to the evergreen rainforests of the Western Ghats.
- Climatic Conditions: Requires rainfall of 1500-4000 mm, temperatures between 10°C to 35°C, and at altitudes of 600–1500 meters. It requires acidic, loamy, humus-rich soils with a pH of 5.0–6.5.
- Production Hotspots: Kerala contributes 58% of India’s cardamom output, with Idukki as the leading district.
- Karnataka grows it in districts like Kodagu and Chikmagalur.
- Tamil Nadu cultivates it in the Nilgiri hills.
- Recently identified cardamom species include Elettaria facifera (Periyar Tiger Reserve, Idukki) and Elettaria tulipifera (Agasthyamalai hills, Thiruvananthapuram and Munnar, Idukki).
Spices Market in India: India produced 11.14 million tonnes of spices in 2022–23, cultivating 75 of the 109 ISO-listed spices.
- Chilli, cumin, turmeric, ginger, and coriander accounted for 76% of total production.
- Major producing states include Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Andhra Pradesh.
- In 2023–24, India exported around 14 lakh tonnes of spices, with chilli being the top export (31%) to key markets such as China, Bangladesh, West Asia, and the US.
Stingless Bees
14-06-2025
Source: DTE
Researchers in Nagaland found native stingless bees Tetragonula iridipennis and Lepidotrigona arcifera to be safe, effective pollinators that boost crop yields and produce medicinal honey, ideal for Northeast India and safer than traditional honeybees.
- Stingless Bee: They are small, eusocial insects belonging to the tribe Meliponini within the family Apidae, commonly found in tropical and subtropical regions.
- Key Characteristics:
- Identification Features: Stingless bees are small, black or dark-bodied with yellow markings.
- They have 2 pairs of wings, short antennae, large oval eyes, and an oval face with a pointed chin.
- Habitat and Nesting: They nest in tree trunks, termite mounds, wall cavities, or wooden boxes.
- Nests are made of resin, mud, and wax, containing honey pots and brood cells arranged spirally or randomly.
- Diet: Their diet includes nectar and pollen. Pollen is used to make protein balls for larval growth. Some species also feed on rotting fruits or carrion.
- Reproduction and Lifecycle: The queen mates once. Fertilized eggs develop into workers or queens (depending on nutrition), while unfertilized eggs become drones. Larvae pupate in sealed wax cells.
- Defense Mechanism: They lack functional stingers but bite with mandibles. Some, like Trigona, inject venom through bites.
- Pollination Role: Stingless bees are buzz pollinators, vital for pollinating tropical plants and crops, contributing significantly to ecosystem health and agriculture.


India–Italy Business Forum 2025
13-12-2025
Source:PIB
The India–Italy Business Forum 2025 in Mumbai reinforced bilateral trade and innovation within the Strategic Partnership, while advancing resilient supply chains and high-technology collaboration.
- Outcomes of the India–Italy Business Forum 2025: Signing of the Agreed Minutes of the 22nd India–Italy Joint Commission for Economic Cooperation (JCEC), providing a clear and structured roadmap for future bilateral collaboration.
- Italy-India Joint Strategic Action Plan 2025-2029: Announced in 2024, it sets a roadmap for cooperation in Artificial Intelligence, cybersecurity, renewables, telecom, biotechnology, and mobility, aiming for concrete gains in technology transfer, innovation, and coordinated bilateral engagement.
India - Italy Economic Relations
- Italy is India’s 4th largest European Union trading partner, with bilateral trade touching USD 13.76 billion in 2024–25 with India’s exports at USD 7.73 billion.
- Italy ranks 19th in FDI inflows into India (2000–2025) with USD 3.61 billion, mainly in automobiles, trading, machinery, services, and electrical equipment.
- Services trade is growing, with India emerging as a rapidly expanding market for Italian service exports and a strong supplier of IT and professional services.


Genocide Convention, 1948
13-12-2025
Source: TH
The Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide (Genocide Convention), adopted by the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) on 9th December 1948, remains a cornerstone of international law, criminalising acts of genocide for the first time globally.
- The Convention entered into force on 12th January 1951, making it legally binding on ratifying states.
- Definition of Genocide (Article II): Genocide comprises acts committed with intent to destroy, in whole or in part, a national, ethnic, racial, or religious group. It can occur in peace or war.
- Membership: Ratified by 153 States. India signed in 1949 and ratified in 1959 but has not enacted domestic legislation on the subject.
- Obligations on State under Convention: States must prevent and punish genocide, including enacting relevant legislation and prosecuting perpetrators.
- Jurisdiction: Disputes regarding interpretation or application of the Convention are heard by the International Court of Justice (ICJ).
- Global Impact: The Convention’s definition has influenced both national laws and international treaties, including Article 6 of the Rome Statute International Criminal Court (ICC).


Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board (PNGRB)
13-11-2025
Source: ET
The Gas Authority of India Limited (GAIL) chairman has expressed dissent over several key recommendations of the Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board (PNGRB) expert committee headed by DK Sarraf on boosting domestic gas usage.

PNGRB
- About: PNGRB is a regulatory and statutory body constituted under the Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board Act, 2006.
- Objective: It aims to protect consumer interests, regulate petroleum and natural gas activities (excluding crude oil production), promote competitive markets, and ensure uninterrupted supply across India.
- Dispute Resolution: It can adjudicate disputes among entities or individuals over petroleum and gas operations, including refining, storage, transportation, distribution, and marketing.
- It also handles complaints on retail obligations, price displays, pipeline terms, city gas networks, and can issue orders, directions, or refer matters for investigation.
- Appeal Mechanism: The Appellate Tribunal, established under Section 110 of the Electricity Act, 2003, serves as the appeal authority under the PNGRB Act, 2006.
Nyoma Airbase
13-11-2025
Source:ET
India has inaugurated its newest and highest fighter-capable airbase at Nyoma in Ladakh, built by the Border Roads Organisation (BRO), marking a major boost to the country’s air power along the northern front.
- Nyoma Airbase: Nyoma lies at 13,700 feet, making it one of the world’s highest fighter-capable airbases.
- Located only 35 km from the Line of Actual Control (LAC), it gives India rapid-response capability against China.
- It strengthens India’s forward military posture after the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) troop buildup in eastern Ladakh (2020).
- The base will significantly boost air infrastructure in Ladakh and enhance the Indian Air Force's (IAF) ability to respond quickly to any aerial threats along the northern frontier.
- Key Capabilities of the Nyoma Base: It supports fighter jet operations, unlike the earlier limited-use airstrip. Enhances surveillance, mobility, and logistics in a strategically sensitive region.

DRAVYA Portal
13-10-2025
Source:PIB
The Ministry of Ayush launched the DRAVYA portal (Digitised Retrieval Application for Versatile Yardstick of Ayush) in Goa, marking the creation of the most comprehensive digital repository of Ayurvedic ingredients and formulations.
DRAVYA Portal
- About: The DRAVYA Portal is a landmark in India’s Ayush digital transformation, bridging traditional knowledge and modern innovation.
- AI-ready platform, enabling integration with the Ayush Grid and other Ministry initiatives to strengthen research, regulation, and global recognition of India’s rich medicinal heritage.
- In its first phase, it aims to catalogue 100 key medicinal substances, ensuring precision and authenticity through a dedicated data-entry software.
- Developed by: Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences (CCRAS), an autonomous body under the Ministry of AYUSH.
- Key Features:
- Contains detailed profiles of Ayurvedic substances across pharmacotherapeutics, botany, chemistry, pharmacology, and safety data.
- Facilitates intelligent data analysis, linking with the Ayush Grid and national health databases for policy, research, and innovation.
- Supports researchers, practitioners, students, and policymakers in evidence-based study, pharmacopoeial harmonisation, and drug validation.

Nobel Peace Prize 2025
13-10-2025
Source: TH
Why in News?
The Norwegian Nobel Committee has awarded the Nobel Peace Prize 2025 to Maria Corina Machado in recognition of her tireless efforts to promote democratic rights in Venezuela and her unwavering struggle for a just and peaceful transition from dictatorship to democracy.

What are the Key Highlights of the Nobel Peace Prize 2025?
- Laureate: María Corina Machado, a Venezuelan politician and pro-democracy activist, widely known as the "Iron Lady of Venezuela" for her courageous stand against authoritarianism.
- Since 1999, Venezuela has shifted from a relatively stable democracy to a deeply entrenched authoritarian state. With citizens facing poverty and limited freedoms, while the opposition struggles under constant threats.
- Maria Corina Machado Contributions: She founded the Atenea Foundation in 1992 to support street children and co-founded Súmate to monitor elections and promote free and fair voting.
- Mobilised citizens and opposition groups by advocating “ballots over bullets,” promoting peaceful civic participation over violent resistance.
- She stood firmly against authoritarian rule while remaining in Venezuela under threats, working to unify the pro-democracy movement.
- Global Significance: 2025 Nobel Peace Prize to Maria Corina Machado highlights that democracy is the foundation of peace, both within countries and internationally.
Did you Know?
- India has two Nobel Peace Prize laureates: Mother Teresa (1979) and Kailash Satyarthi (2014)
- Mother Teresa: Awarded for her work for bringing help to suffering humanity.
- Kailash Satyarthi: Shared the 2014 Nobel Peace Prize with Malala Yousafzai for his work against the suppression of children and for the right of all children to education.
- He founded the Bachpan Bachao Andolan (Save the Childhood Movement).
- Nobel Peace Prize: Since 1901, the Nobel Peace Prize has been awarded to individuals or organizations promoting fraternity between nations, reducing standing armies, or advancing peace.
- Initially, it recognised pioneers of the peace movement, later shifting to politicians, diplomats, and humanitarian work.
- Since World War II, the focus has been on arms control, peace negotiation, democracy and human rights, and creating a more peaceful world.
- In the 21st century, efforts addressing climate change and environmental threats are also considered.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Who is the Nobel Peace Prize 2025 laureate?
Maria Corina Machado for promoting democracy and peaceful transition in Venezuela.
2. Which Indians have won the Nobel Peace Prize?
Mother Teresa (1979) and Kailash Satyarthi (2014).
3. What are the main categories of the Nobel Peace Prize?
The Nobel Peace Prize is awarded to individuals or organizations promoting peace, resolving conflicts, advancing democracy and human rights, or contributing to global stability and humanitarian work.
AUSTRAHIND 2025
13-10-2025
Source:PIB
An Indian Army contingent has departed for Australia to participate in the fourth edition of the India-Australia joint military exercise ‘AUSTRAHIND 2025’, highlighting growing defence cooperation between the two nations.
- Exercise AUSTRAHIND: It was instituted in 2022 and the first edition was conducted in Mahajan, Rajasthan.
- It is planned to be an annual training event to be conducted alternatively in India and Australia.
- AUSTRAHIND aims to foster collaborative partnership and share best practices between the two sides.
- The exercise will also promote inter- operability while undertaking multi-domain operations in Urban and Semi- Urban terrain under Chapter VII of United Nations on peace keeping operations.
- India-Australia Defence Relations: India’s defence ties with Australia gained momentum after both countries became Comprehensive Strategic Partners in 2020 and signed a Mutual Logistics Support Agreement in 2021.
- Both countries also participate in multilateral exercises such as Malabar, Talisman Sabre, and Cope India, reflecting their shared commitment to regional security and interoperability in the Indo-Pacific.

Exemptions for Mineral Exploration in Forests
13-09-2025
Source: IE
Why in News ?
The Forest Advisory Committee (FAC) has approved enhanced exemptions for mineral exploration drilling in forest areas, following requests from the Ministries of Coal and Mines.
Why Have Exemptions Been Provided for Mineral Exploration Drilling in Forest Regions?
- Borehole Limit and Push for Critical Minerals: The Environment Ministry now permits 62 to 80 boreholes per 10 sq km, each up to 6 inches in diameter, for mineral exploration.
- Earlier rules allowed only 25 boreholes per 10 sq km, along with 80 shot holes and felling of up to 100 trees, without requiring forest clearance.
- This expansion aims to tap critical minerals like lithium, cobalt, and nickel, vital for clean energy and defence.
- Ease of Doing Business: Reduces delays from repeated central clearances for temporary exploration.
- Private Sector Participation: Encourages greater investment and involvement in mineral exploration.
- Economic Growth Support: Minerals are crucial for infrastructure, manufacturing, defence, and green technologies.
- Enables quicker project development, cost efficiency, and higher investment inflows.
What Concerns are Associated with Increased Mineral Exploration Drilling in Forest Regions?
- Environmental and Ecological Concerns:
- Increased drilling activities may cause cumulative environmental impact.
- It can have potential effects on forest flora and fauna despite safeguards.
- Local and regional precipitation patterns may be impacted by forest loss.
- Local Communities and Tribal Rights:
- Potential conflicts with traditional forest dwellers' rights under FRA 2006.
- Safeguarding of religiously and culturally significant forest areas.
- Effects on forest-dependent communities and their traditional occupations.
- Bypass Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980 Scrutiny:
- In the past, the FCA mandated central government certification for any activity on forest land that wasn't directly connected to conservation of forests.
- There are several issues with mineral exploration being reclassified as a "forest activity.
Critical minerals
- Critical minerals are those essential for a nation’s economic growth and national security, whose limited availability or concentration of reserves/extraction in specific regions creates supply chain vulnerabilities.
- India’s Position: Released a list of 30 critical minerals (e.g., Bismuth, Cobalt, Copper, Rare Earth Elements, Silicon, Tin, Titanium).
- India is heavily import-dependent for most critical minerals.
- Significance of Critical Minerals:
- Environment & Energy: Key for renewable energy technologies (solar panels, wind turbines, semiconductors).
- Essential in Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS).
- National Security: Vital for defence sector – missile systems, aerospace, communication technologies.
- Economic & Electronics: Critical for electric vehicles (EVs) via lithium-ion batteries.
- Required for semiconductors, smartphones, computers, communication devices.
India’s Initiatives for Critical Minerals:
- Policy and Regulatory Framework: National Critical Minerals Mission (NCMM), aims to identify 1,200 deposits by 2030 to meet rising demand for lithium, cobalt, and other critical minerals, vital for clean energy and EVs.
- Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Act, 2023: Enables exploration and mining of critical minerals.
- National Mineral Policy, 2019: Focuses on sustainable mining and exploration.
- Union Budget 2024-25: Removed customs duties on most critical minerals.
- Exploration and Domestic Production:
- Geological Survey of India (GSI): Conducting extensive surveys for lithium, rare earths, and other critical minerals.
- Lithium Discovery (2023): Major reserves identified in Reasi, Jammu & Kashmir.
- Strategic Mineral Reserves: Plans to build reserves for lithium, cobalt, and others.
- International Collaborations & Trade Agreements:
- Khanij Bidesh India Ltd (KABIL), 2019: Joint venture under the Ministry of Mines to secure overseas mineral assets; partnerships with Argentina, Australia, etc.
- Minerals Security Partnership (MSP): India joined the US-led initiative in 2023 to strengthen global supply chains for critical minerals.
What Should be the Sustainable Roadmap for Mineral Exploration in Forests?
- Sustainable Exploration Practices: To Promote non-intrusive technologies such as geophysical surveys, images from satellites, and remote sensing and artificial intelligence based mineral forecasting systems and drone-based mapping techniques.
- Mitigate impact on the environment through decreasing usage on powered drilling.
- Strengthen Environmental Safeguards: Establish strict Standard Operating Procedures (SoPs) like No drilling in wetlands ecosystems, areas for reproduction, or critical ecosystems.
- Implement time-specific limitations in place (No drill during the nesting or breeding periods).
- Cluster Mining Approach:
- To utilize resources thorough cluster mining initiatives that include shared environmentally friendly structures for multiple divisions.
- Eco-friendly techniques such as conveying systems, bucket steering digging machines, and systematic landfill control.
UPSC Civil Services Examination Previous Year Question (PYQ)
Prelims:
With reference to the management of minor minerals in India, consider the following statements: (2019)
- Sand is a ‘minor mineral’ according to the prevailing law in the country
- State Governments have the power to grant mining leases of minor minerals, but the powers regarding the formation of rules related to the grant of minor minerals lie with the Central Government.
- State Governments have the power to frame rules to prevent illegal mining of minor minerals.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 3 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Ans: (a)
Q. What is/are the purpose/purposes of ‘District Mineral Foundations’ in India? (2016)
- Promoting mineral exploration activities in mineral-rich districts
- Protecting the interests of the persons affected by mining operations
- Authorizing State Governments to issue licenses for mineral exploration
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Ans: (b)
Mains
Q. Despite India being one of the countries of Gondwanaland, its mining industry contributes much less to its Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in percentage. Discuss. (2021)
Q. “In spite of adverse environmental impact, coal mining is still inevitable for development”. Discuss. (2017)

Rethinking India’s Strategy Against Aedes Mosquitoes
13-09-2025
Source: TH
Why in News?
India faces rising dengue, chikungunya, and Zika cases transmitted by the Aedes mosquitoes, yet authorities still depend on less effective fumigation.
- Experts call for personal protection, community action, and innovative, cost-effective measures.
Why are Current Measures Against Aedes Mosquitoes Failing?
- Mosquito Behaviour: Aedes mosquitoes bite mainly indoors during the daytime and at night under artificial light. Hence, outdoor fogging miss most of their activity.
- Local authorities still conduct large-scale fumigation, though national health agencies do not recommend it as a routine method. It provides little long-term impact.
- Chemical Resistance: Mosquitoes are developing tolerance to pyrethroid-based vaporizers and temephos larvicides, reducing their effectiveness.
- High Cost of New Technologies: Promising innovations like Wolbachia mosquitoes or spatial repellents remain underused due to high costs and lack of institutional support.
- Incomplete Vaccine Protection: While dengue vaccine trials such as DengiAll are ongoing, there is still no approved and effective vaccine for chikungunya or Zika in India.
What Measures can Strengthen the Fight Against Aedes Mosquitoes?
- Shift Focus from Fogging to Source Reduction: Fogging kills few mosquitoes because Aedes rest indoors. The government should prioritise larval source management by cleaning stagnant water in homes, rooftops, tyres, and construction sites.
- Example: Delhi’s "10 Hafte, 10 Baje, 10 Minute" campaign encourages households to check water containers weekly.
- Strengthen Community Participation: Camino Verde trial in Latin America showed significant dengue reduction when communities managed breeding sites.
- India can replicate such evidence-based community mobilisation at ward/village level.
- Like Polio campaigns, India needs a “Dengue Free India Mission” combining school education, TV, and digital outreach.
- Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAs) can be frontline educators for household-level awareness.
- Ensure Affordable and Safe Repellents: Widespread use of DEET (N,N-diethyl-meta-toluamide)-based repellents (proven most effective) should be promoted.
- The government can subsidise or include repellents under Jan Aushadhi Kendras for mass accessibility.
- Promote Personal Protection: Encourage use of long sleeves, treated nets for daytime sleepers, and insecticide-treated school uniforms.
- Awareness campaigns must stress that Aedes bite during the daytime, unlike malaria mosquitoes.
- Support Innovative Interventions: Integrate Wolbachia-infected mosquitoes (being scaled up in Brazil, Indonesia, Australia) to reduce dengue transmission.
- Vaccine development should be supported but used cautiously due to limited efficacy.
- Environmental and Waste Management: Aedes thrive in plastic waste and discarded containers. India needs stronger solid waste management and plastic recycling initiatives.
- Smart cities and Swachh Bharat Mission can integrate anti-dengue waste management drives.
Burden of Aedes Mosquitoes
- The burden of Aedes mosquitoes stems from their role as vectors for multiple severe and rapidly spreading arboviruses, including Dengue, Zika, and Chikungunya.
- Dengue is both endemic and emerging in India, which bears one of the world’s highest burdens, with about 33 million symptomatic and 100 million asymptomatic infections annually.
- India reported its first Zika case from Gujarat State in 2016. Since then, many other States namely Tamil Nadu, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Kerala, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, and Karnataka have reported cases subsequently.
- Chikungunya, a viral disease endemic to India, causes severe joint pain, fever, and rash, with no specific treatment.
- Major outbreaks occurred in 1963, 1965, 1973, and later re-emerged in 2006, now affecting almost all states, especially urban and peri-urban areas.

|
Drishti Mains Question:
Q. Despite limited effectiveness, India continues to rely on fumigation for Aedes control? Discuss and suggest sustainable alternatives.
|
UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Questions (PYQs)
Prelims
Q. Wolbachia method is sometimes talked about with reference to which one of the following? (2023)
a) Controlling the viral diseases spread by mosquitoes
b) Converting crop residues into packing material
c) Producing biodegradable plastics
d) Producing biochar from thermochemical conversion of biomass
Ans: (a)
Q. Which one of the following is used in preparing a natural mosquito repellent? (2021)
a) Congress grass
b) Elephant grass
c) Lemongrass
d) Nut grass
Ans: c

India Explores Rare-Earth Deal with Myanmar
13-09-2025
Source:IE
India is collaborating with the Kachin Independence Army (KIA) in Myanmar to secure rare-earth mineral samples, aiming to diversify its supply chain away from China.
- The KIA, founded in 1961, is one of Myanmar’s most influential armed groups. They captured the Chipwe-Pangwa mining belt in Kachin state, which supplies most of the world’s heavy rare earths, including dysprosium and terbium.
What are Rare Earth Minerals?
- About: Rare earths are a group of 17 elements including 15 silvery-white metals called lanthanides, or lanthanoids, plus scandium and yttrium.
- In their periodic table order, they are: scandium, yttrium, lanthanum, cerium, praseodymium, neodymium, promethium, samarium, europium, gadolinium, terbium, dysprosium, holmium, erbium, thulium, ytterbium, and lutetium.
- They are not rare in the sense that they are uncommon. They tend to be spread thin around the Earth's crust in small quantities and mixed together or with other minerals, so larger deposits are difficult to find and costly to extract.
- Environmental Impact:
- Processing rare earths often involves the use of solvents, which can produce toxic waste that pollutes the soil, water, and atmosphere.
- More environmentally friendly technologies are being developed, but they are not yet widely used.
- Certain types of rare earth ores also contain radioactive thorium or uranium, which is often removed using acid.
- For this reason, development of the sector faces health and environmental regulatory hurdles.
- Use: They are used in a wide range of products including consumer electronics, electric vehicles (EVs), aircraft engines, medical equipment, oil refining, and military applications such as missiles and radar systems.
- Biggest Producer: China accounts for about 60% of global mine production and 90% of processed and permanent magnet output.

What is the Status of India on Rare Earth Elements?
- India has the world’s fifth-largest rare earth reserves, at 6.9 million metric tons, but there is no domestic magnet production. India relies on imported magnets, mainly from China.
- In the fiscal year to March 2025, India imported 53,748 metric tons of rare earth magnets. These are used in automobiles, wind turbines, medical devices and other manufactured goods.
- Rare earth mining is restricted to IREL (a miniratna company), which supplies India’s Atomic Energy Department with materials for nuclear power projects and defence-related applications.
- IREL has a rare earths extraction plant in Odisha and a refining unit in Kerala.
- India is working to build its own processing capacity. IREL has been seeking partnerships with Japanese and Korean companies to manufacture rare earth magnets commercially.
- IREL Limited has been mandated to produce REEs in the form of high pure rare earth oxides from rare earths bearing mineral Monazite in India.
- To reduce India’s import dependency in REEs, the Atomic Minerals Directorate for Exploration and Research (AMD) is carrying out exploration to augment resources along the coastal, inland and riverine placer sands of the country.
- India has launched the National Critical Mineral Mission (NCMM) in 2025.
- Under the NCMM, Geological Survey of India (GSI) has been assigned to carry out 1,200 exploration projects from FY25 to FY31.
UPSC Civil Services Examination Previous Year Question (PYQ)
Prelims:
Q. With reference to the management of minor minerals in India, consider the following statements: (2019)
- Sand is a ‘minor mineral’ according to the prevailing law in the country
- State Governments have the power to grant mining leases of minor minerals, but the powers regarding the formation of rules related to the grant of minor minerals lie with the Central Government.
- State Governments have the power to frame rules to prevent illegal mining of minor minerals.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 3 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Ans: (a)

Bills to Modernise India’s Maritime Laws
13-08-2025
Source: TH
Why in News?
The Parliament passed Merchant Shipping Bill, 2025, Carriage of Goods by Sea Bill, 2025 & Coastal Shipping Bill, 2025 with the aim to modernise India’s maritime legal framework by replacing outdated colonial-era laws.
What are the Key Provisions of the Recently Passed Maritime Bills?
- Coastal Shipping Bill, 2025:
- It replaced the Merchant Shipping Act, 1958, modernizing the legal framework aligned with global cabotage norms.
- It aims to raise coastal cargo to 230 million tonnes by 2030 with simpler licensing and foreign vessel regulation.
- It provides for cutting foreign dependence, boosting supply security, jobs, and ease of business.
- It mandates a National Coastal and Inland Shipping Strategic Plan and a National Database to enhance infrastructure planning, transparency, and investor confidence.
- Merchant Shipping Bill, 2025:
- It replaced the outdated Merchant Shipping Act, 1958, aligning India’s maritime laws with International Maritime Organization (IMO) conventions for clarity and ease of compliance.
- It aims to enhance sea safety standards, emergency response, environmental protection, and seafarer welfare, while promoting Indian shipping tonnage and India’s global maritime reputation.
- It authorizes the central government to detain vessels without nationality or legal flag rights in Indian waters, boosting maritime security with a future-ready legal framework supporting India’s economic and trade ambitions.
- Carriage of Goods by Sea Bill, 2025:
- It replaced the Indian Carriage of Goods by Sea Act, 1925 and adopted the internationally accepted Hague-Visby Rules (1924) and its amendments, setting a global standard for maritime trade.
- The Hague-Visby Rules, 1924 govern sea carriage of goods, outlining carrier and shipper rights and liability for cargo loss or damage.
- It regulates Bills of Lading, documents detailing goods’ type, quantity, condition, and destination to enhance transparency and shipping efficiency.
- Empowers the Central Government to issue directions and amend rules on Bills of Lading, promoting ease of business and aligning India’s laws with global standards and trade agreements.
What is the State of India’s Maritime Sector?
- State of India’s Maritime Sector: India is the 16th largest maritime nation, handling 95% of trade by volume and 70% by value through 12 major and 200+ minor ports on key global shipping routes.
- Capacity and Fleet Growth: Major ports’ cargo-handling capacity grew by 87% (2014–24) to 1,629.86 million tonnes, with 819.22 million tonnes handled in FY24; the fleet comprises 1,530 registered ships.
- Global Rankings: India ranks 38th in the World Bank’s Logistics Performance Index 2023, while being the 3rd largest ship recycler globally with around 30% market share, home to the largest ship-breaking yard at Alang.
- Shipbuilding and Policy Initiatives: Despite lagging in shipbuilding, initiatives like the New Shipbuilding and Repair Policy, along with 100% FDI(under the automatic route for port and harbour construction and maintenance projects), tax holidays, and infrastructure upgrades, aim to boost domestic capacity and have helped raise exports to USD 451 billion in FY23.

Government Initiatives in India’s Maritime Sector
UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year’s Question (PYQs)
Prelims
Q. Consider the following in respect of Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS): (2017)
- Inaugural IONS was held in India in 2015 under the chairmanship of the Indian Navy.
- IONS is a voluntary initiative that seeks to increase maritime co-operation among navies of the littoral states of the Indian Ocean Region.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Ans: (b)
Q. With reference to ‘Indian Ocean Rim Association for Regional Cooperation (IOR-ARC)’, consider the following statements: (2015)
- It was established very recently in response to incidents of piracy and accidents of oil spills.
- It is an alliance meant for maritime security only.
Which of the statements given above is/ are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Ans: (d)
Mains:
Q. Defining blue revolution, explain the problems and strategies for pisciculture development in India. (2018)
Armenia - Azerbaijan Peace Agreement
13-08-2025
Source: IE
A peace agreement brokered by the US has been signed between Armenia and Azerbaijan, marking a significant step toward resolving the longstanding conflict over Nagorno-Karabakh.
- Peace Deal: Both countries pledged to respect each other's territorial integrity, ending nearly four decades of conflict. The agreement includes mutual relinquishment of territorial claims, a ban on the use of force, and adherence to international law.
- US Role and Strategic Importance: The US gained exclusive rights to develop the 'Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity' transit corridor in the South Caucasus.
- Nagorno-Karabakh Conflict: Nagorno-Karabakh is a mountainous, landlocked region in the South Caucasus (The Caucasus is a mountain region between the Black and Caspian Seas, spanning Russia, Georgia, Azerbaijan, and Armenia).
- After the Russian Empire’s collapse in 1917, Armenia and Azerbaijan both claimed Nagorno-Karabakh, causing lasting tensions. The 1994 ceasefire left Nagorno-Karabakh under Armenian-backed control (but internationally recognised as part of Azerbaijan).
- Azerbaijan reclaimed control in 2023 after a military offensive, displacing thousands of ethnic Armenians.
- India’s Stance: India supports the peace deal as it sees Armenia and Azerbaijan as part of the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC), a key project for India's trade routes connecting India to Russia.
- Additionally, India has a Friendship and Cooperation Treaty with Armenia (1995).

OMC Compensation & PMUY Subsidy Extension
13-08-2025
Source: IE
The Union Cabinet approved budgetary support to public sector Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) to cover their losses from selling LPG cylinders below international prices in FY 2024-25.
Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY)
- About: PMUY was launched in 2016 by the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas to provide clean cooking fuel ( and removing traditional firewood & coal), specifically LPG, to rural and economically disadvantaged households.
- Ujjwala 2.0: Under Ujjwala 2.0 (Phase 2), special provisions allow migrant families to obtain LPG connections using self-declaration instead of requiring Proof of Address or Ration Cards.
- Eligibility: Women aged 18+ from households without existing LPG connections, belonging to categories such as SC/ST, PM Awas Gramin, Most Backward Classes, AAY, tribal groups, forest dwellers, island residents, SECC-listed households, or other poor families.
- Key Benefits: Beneficiary households receive subsidy for cooking gas cylinders.
- This has led to improved women's health by reducing indoor air pollution, decreased women’s drudgery, environmental protection through less deforestation, and enhanced nutrition due to easier cooking with clean fuel.
- Achievements: As of July 2025, over 10.33 crore PMUY connections have been issued nationwide.
- The average per capita LPG consumption among PMUY beneficiaries has risen around 49% between 2019 & 2024 reflecting increased LPG usage.
MP Local Area Development Scheme
13-08-2025
Source: PIB
Why in News?
The Minister of State for MoSPI laid out detailed provisions of the Revised Member of Parliament Local Area Development Scheme (MPLADS) Guidelines 2023 in the Parliament, for its effective utilization.
What is the MPLADS Scheme?
- About: MPLAD is a Central Sector Scheme, launched in 1993, which enables Member of Parliament (MPs) to recommend developmental works in their constituencies, focusing on durable community assets based on local needs.
- Rajya Sabha MPs may recommend works in any district(s) of their state of election, while nominated MPs can choose any district(s) in any one state of the country.
- Implementation: The state nodal department supervises the scheme, while district authorities are responsible for project sanction, fund allocation and execution.
- Funding Allocation: Each MP is allocated Rs 5 crore per year since 2011-12, released by the Ministry of Statistics and Program Implementation (MoSPI) to district authorities in two installments of Rs 2.5 crore.
- This fund is non-lapsable and can be carried forward if not utilised in a given year.
- MPs must allocate a minimum of 15% and 7.5% of their funds to create assets for Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs), respectively.
- Special Provisions: MPs can spend up to Rs 25 lakh a year outside their constituency or state on projects that promote national unity, and up to Rs 1 crore anywhere in India for relief after severe natural calamities.
- Convergence with Other Schemes: Funds can be converged with Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM), MGNREGS for asset creation or linked to Khelo India for sports infrastructure.
- Eligible Works: Funds can create immovable assets on government land and movable assets for government-owned/controlled or aided institutions.
- Support is allowed on registered social welfare society land (≥3 years), excluding MP/family involvement.
- Funds can also be used for Bar Association buildings on court premises, but not for recurring expenses.
What is the Monitoring Mechanism Under MPLAD Scheme?
|
Agency/Body
|
Functions
|
|
Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI)
|
Monitors fund flow, conducts annual reviews, publishes progress reports, and ensures CAG-approved audits.
|
|
Central Nodal Agency
|
Reviews project implementation and manages audit processes.
|
|
State/UT Governments
|
Constitute monitoring committees, inspect at least 1% of works annually, and commission third-party audits for high-value projects.
- State/UT Governments are required to fully delegate technical, financial, and administrative sanction powers to the Implementing District Authority for expeditious execution of MP-recommended projects.
|
|
District Authorities
|
Inspect a minimum of 10% of works each year and maintain photographic documentation.
|
|
Implementing Agencies
|
Conduct site inspections and ensure 100% verification of completed works.
|
UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Question (PYQ)
Prelims
Q. With reference to the funds under the Members of Parliament Local Area Development Scheme (MPLADS), which of the following statements are correct? (2020)
- MPLADS funds must be used to create durable assets like physical infrastructure for health, education, etc.
- A specified portion of each MP’s fund must benefit SC/ST populations.
- MPLADS funds are sanctioned on a yearly basis and the unused funds cannot be carried forward to the next year.
- The district authority must inspect at least 10% of all works under implementation every year.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 3 and 4 only
(c) 1, 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 4 only
Ans: (d)
Pax Silica & India’s Inclusion
13-01-2026
Source: IE
Why in News?
The United States’ newly appointed Ambassador to India, Sergio Gor, stated that India will be invited to join “Pax Silica,” a US-led coalition aimed at securing and strengthening the critical minerals supply chain.
What is Pax Silica?
- About: It is a US led coalition aimed at building a secure, resilient, and innovation-driven silicon and Artificial Intelligence (AI) supply chain ecosystem through deep cooperation with trusted global partners.
- The inaugural Pax Silica Summit was held in Washington, D.C. in December, 2025.
- Objective: It aims to reduce coercive dependencies on a single country, protect AI-critical materials and enable aligned nations to develop and deploy transformative technologies at scale.
- China dominates the critical minerals supply chain needed for the silicon and AI supply chain ecosystem , refining over 60% of lithium, cobalt, and rare earths. Global diversification efforts are accelerating after China’s restrictions on rare earth magnets disrupted supply chains.
- Participating Nations: Japan, Republic of Korea, Singapore, the Netherlands, United Kingdom, Israel, United Arab Emirates, and Australia.
- Partner countries host key firms such as Sony, Hitachi, Fujitsu, Samsung, SK Hynix, Temasek, DeepMind, MGX, Rio Tinto, and ASML, which power the global AI supply chain.
- Core Commitments: Joint projects to address AI supply chain vulnerabilities across critical minerals, semiconductor design, fabrication and packaging, compute infrastructure, and energy grids, along with protecting sensitive technologies from countries of concern.
Pax Silica and India
- India’s Earlier Exclusion: India currently lacks the critical edge technologies that Pax Silica prioritizes and is not a major repository of critical minerals, which limited its inclusion in the grouping.
- However, just as India joined the US-led Minerals Security Partnership (MSP) (2022), a year after its launch in 2023, becoming its 14th member, India could similarly be inducted into Pax Silica at a later stage.
What are India's Initiatives to Support Silicon and AI Supply Chain?
- India’s Semiconductor Push: Under the USD 10 billion India Semiconductor Mission (ISM, 2021), India aims to build an indigenous semiconductor ecosystem.
- 10 projects approved, involving Rs 1.6 trillion investment, covering fabrication and packaging.
- India’s AI Strategy: Rs 10,372 crore IndiaAI Mission (2024) focuses on indigenous Large Language Models (LLMs) and domestic AI capacity.
- Graphics processing units (GPUs) capacity expanded to 34,333 GPUs, nearly doubling earlier levels.
- Supports a shared cloud-based compute platform for AI training and inference, critical for foundational models tailored to Indian data and context.
- National Critical Mineral Mission (NCMM): It aims to secure India's self-reliance in critical minerals for high-tech, clean energy, and defense.
- The mission covers the full chain—from exploration and mining to processing and recycling—encouraging overseas asset acquisition and international trade ties.
- It will establish mineral parks, promote recycling, and support research, including a Centre of Excellence.
- Minerals Security Partnership (MSP): The MSP, a US initiative, aims to strengthen critical mineral supply chains by ensuring minerals are produced, processed, and recycled to maximize their economic development benefits.
- It directly supports India's mineral self-reliance strategy, complementing domestic actions like the National Critical Minerals Mission and overseas acquisitions by KABIL. It bolsters India’s position in the global race for critical minerals vital for future industries and the energy transition.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is Pax Silica?
Pax Silica is a US-led coalition of nine countries aimed at securing a resilient, innovation-driven semiconductor and AI supply chain.
2. Which countries are part of Pax Silica?
Japan, Republic of Korea, Singapore, Netherlands, UK, Israel, UAE, Australia, and the US.
3. What are India’s key initiatives in semiconductors and AI?
India Semiconductor Mission (ISM), IndiaAI Mission, and National Critical Mineral Mission (NCMM) aim to build indigenous supply chains, AI infrastructure, and critical mineral security.
UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Questions (PYQs)
Q. Recently, there has been a concern over the short supply of a group of elements called ‘rare earth metals’. Why? (2012)
- China, which is the largest producer of these elements, has imposed some restrictions on their export.
- Other than China, Australia, Canada and Chile, these elements are not found in any country.
- Rare earth metals are essential for the manufacture of various kinds of electronic items and there is a growing demand for these elements.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Ans: (c)
World Hindi Day
13-01-2026
Source: PIB
The Third Technical Hindi Symposium “Abhyuday-3” was organised with the collaboration of CSIR-National Institute of Science Communication and Policy Research, Indian Institute of Technology Indore, and Indian Institute of Technology Jodhpur to promote Technical Hindi and inclusive science outreach.
- Abhyuday-3 reflected India’s push to expand science and technology outreach through Indian languages, especially Hindi, aligning with World Hindi Day’s goal of strengthening Hindi’s global and functional use.
- World Hindi Day: 10th January is observed annually as World Hindi Day. It was on this day in 1975 that the first World Hindi Conference was held in Nagpur under the auspices of Rashtra Bhasha Prachar Samiti, Wardha (organization founded by Mahatma Gandhi).
- The official observance of World Hindi Day began in 2006, following its announcement by then Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh, distinct from National Hindi Diwas celebrated on 14th September.
- National Hindi Diwas: It commemorates the adoption of Hindi in the Devanagari script as an official language of India by the Constituent Assembly in 1949.
- Hindi Language: Hindi derives its name from the Persian word “Hind”, meaning the land of the Indus River, a term used by Turk invaders in the early 11th century to describe the language of the region.
- It is one of India’s official languages, with English as the other, and is also spoken in countries such as Mauritius, Fiji, Suriname, Guyana, Trinidad and Tobago, and Nepal.
- Hindi evolved from Sanskrit to Prakrit and Apabhramsa, with Khari Boli forming its direct foundation. It later incorporated Persian and Arabic influences.
- The modern Devanagari script took shape in the 11th century, giving Hindi its present written structure.
- Hindi is the third most spoken language in the world, after English and Chinese, with around 600 million speakers. UNESCO recognised Hindi as an official language in 1948, and it was first used in the United Nations General Assembly in 1949.
- Constitutional Provisions Related to the Hindi Language:
|
Article
|
Provision
|
|
Article 343
|
Declares Hindi in Devanagari script as the official language of the Union; allows continued use of English for official purposes.
|
|
Article 344
|
Provides for a Language Commission and Parliamentary Committee to review and recommend the progressive use of Hindi.
|
|
Article 351
|
Directs the Union to promote the spread and development of Hindi, enriching it from Sanskrit and other Indian languages.
|
|
Article 120
|
Permits the use of Hindi or English in Parliament; other languages allowed with permission of the Chair.
|
|
Article 210
|
Allows Hindi, or English, or the official State language to be used in State Legislature proceedings.
|
Rising FTA Trade Deficit
13-01-2026
Source: IE
A NITI Aayog Trade Watch Quarterly report notes that India’s trade deficit with free trade agreement (FTA) partner countries has widened sharply, even as the country recorded strong export growth in electronics and other sunrise sectors.
Key Findings from the NITI Aayog Report
- Sharp Deficit Increase: India's trade deficit with FTA partners widened by 59.2% in Q1 FY26 (April and June). Exports fell 9% to USD 38.7 billion, while imports rose 10% to USD 65.3 billion.
- Structural Export Shift: Electronics emerged as a top performer, growing 47% year-on-year (YoY), now constituting over 11% of total exports. This contrasts with a sharp decline in petroleum exports.
- ASEAN as Key Driver of Deficit: The overall deficit was driven by a 16.9% contraction in exports to ASEAN, India's largest FTA export market. Major declines were seen in Malaysia (-39.7%) and Singapore (-13.2%).
- Import Surge & Diversification: Imports from the UAE surged 28.7%, propelled by new imports of gold compounds and increased petroleum. Imports from China grew 16.3%, led by electronic components.
- Geopolitical & Negotiation Context: The data is critical as India actively negotiates FTAs (e.g., EU, US) and has recently concluded pacts with Oman, New Zealand, and the UK (2025). It also follows a missed 2025 deadline to re-negotiate the ASEAN FTA.
India’s Foreign Trade Pattern
- India’s Export Growth: India’s total exports reached USD 778.21 billion in 2023–24 (Merchandise exports: USD 437.10 billion and service exports USD 341.11 billion).
- Regional Distribution: North America emerged as the largest export destination, followed by strong growth in the EU, West Asia, and ASEAN.
- Largest Export Destinations: United States, United Arab Emirates (UAE), China, Netherlands etc.
- Largest Import Sources: China, Russia, United Arab Emirates (UAE), United States etc.
UMEED Portal
12-12-2025
Source: PIB
The Ministry of Minority Affairs launched the Unified Waqf Management, Empowerment, Efficiency and Development (UMEED) Portal on 6th June 2025 to upload authenticated data of existing Waqf properties.
- A six-month window to upload authenticated data of existing Waqf properties was provided, and has now concluded on 6th December 2025.
- UMEED Portal: It is a centralized digital platform designed for the registration and regulation of Waqf properties across India.
- Features of UMEED Portal:
- Properties will include precise measurements and geolocation data during registration.
- Unregistered properties after the deadline will be flagged as disputed and sent to the Waqf Tribunal.
- Legal awareness tools to clarify beneficiaries' rights under the amended law.
- Properties registered in women's names cannot be designated as Waqf, but women, children, and EWS will still remain eligible beneficiaries.
- WAMSI (Old System): The previous Waqf property digitisation system, known for errors, duplicate entries, and inconsistent data, was formally disabled on 8th May 2025.
- Waqf: Waqf is a permanent charitable endowment under Islamic law, where property is donated for religious or public welfare purposes.
- It cannot be sold, inherited, or transferred.
Nathula Pass
12-12-2025
Source: PTI
A MP from Sikkim has urged the Centre to immediately resume border trade through the Nathula Pass, highlighting severe livelihood impacts due to its suspension since 2020.
- Nathu La: It is a high-altitude Himalayan pass in East Sikkim on the India–China border, standing at 4,302 metres.
- It is one of the highest motorable roads and an important strategic and border trade point between the two countries.
- It is one of the two ancient passes connecting Sikkim and Tibet, the other being Jelep La.
- Historical Link: It is part of an ancient Silk Road offshoot, historically facilitating trans-Himalayan trade.
- Cultural Link: The Mansarovar route via Nathu La is fully motorable, requiring no trekking except 35–40 km for Mount Kailash parikrama.
- Trade Post Status: Closed after the 1962 Sino-Indian War, Nathu La was reopened in 2006 following bilateral agreements.
- However, trade was disrupted again in 2020 during the Covid-19 pandemic and has not resumed since.
- The other passes located in the state of Sikkim are Jelep La Pass, Donkia Pass, Chiwabhanjang Pass.

Deepavali Inscribed on UNESCO ICH List
12-12-2025
Source: IE
Why in News?
At the 20th session of the UNESCO Intergovernmental Committee for Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) held at New Delhi’s Red Fort, Deepavali, the festival of lights was officially added to UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) of Humanity.
Summary
- The UNESCO ICH List, created under the 2003 Convention, safeguards living cultural traditions; India nominated Deepavali for the 2024–25 cycle.
- Deepavali’s inscription recognises its cultural, social and economic significance, linking it to SDGs through support for livelihoods, well-being, gender participation and community resilience.
- India now has multiple ICH elements on the UNESCO list, including Garba, Durga Puja, Kumbh Mela, Yoga, Nowruz, Sankirtana, Buddhist chanting, Chhau, Kalbelia, Mudiyettu, Ramman, Kutiyattam, Ramlila and Vedic chanting.
What is the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage List?
- About: The list was created under the 2003 UNESCO Convention for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage.
- It aims to protect living cultural traditions threatened by globalisation, promote awareness, respect and cultural diversity, and support community-led safeguarding of rituals, festivals, oral traditions and traditional craftsmanship.
- Intangible Cultural Heritage: UNESCO defines intangible heritage as living traditions inherited across generations, including oral traditions, performing arts, rituals, festive events, social practices, knowledge of nature and the universe, and traditional craftsmanship that communities continue to recreate and safeguard.
- Nominations: To add an element to UNESCO’s ICH Representative List, states must submit a nomination file, with one nomination allowed every two years.
- India nominated the Deepavali festival for the 2024–25 cycle.
- Deepavali: Celebrated on Kartik Amavasya (October–November), Deepavali symbolises light over darkness, hope over despair and renewal and prosperity.
- Significance of Deepavali’s Inclusion: UNESCO’s inscription acknowledges Deepavali as a living heritage that strengthens social bonds, supports traditional craftsmanship, reinforces values of generosity and well-being.
- Deepavali contributes meaningfully to several Sustainable Development Goals, including:
- SDG 1 (No Poverty): Supports seasonal and traditional livelihoods.
- SDG 3 (Good Health & Well-being): Promotes social bonding and hygiene practices.
- SDG 5 (Gender Equality): Engages women artisans and craft traditions.
- SDG 11 (sustainable communities): Encourages cultural continuity and community resilience.
India’s UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage list includes

20th session of the UNESCO Intergovernmental Committee for Safeguarding of the ICH
- About: It is the first time India is hosting the ICH Committee session, organised by the Ministry of Culture and the Sangeet Natak Akademi.
- The event marks a key moment in India’s cultural diplomacy, coinciding with the 20th anniversary of India’s ratification of the 2003 UNESCO Convention.
- Key Objectives of the 20th Session: Examine and evaluate new nominations submitted by States Parties for inscription on UNESCO’s ICH Lists.
- Review the status of already-inscribed elements through periodic reports.
- Strengthen international cooperation, capacity building, and exchange of best practices among Member States.
- Significance for India: The session allows India to showcase its national ICH safeguarding model, which integrates documentation, community participation, and institutional support.
- It enhances global visibility for India’s diverse intangible heritage while strengthening the country’s soft power and cultural leadership.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q. What is UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) Representative List?
The ICH Representative List, created under the 2003 UNESCO Convention, identifies living traditions—rituals, performing arts, crafts—whose safeguarding promotes cultural diversity, intercultural dialogue and community-led preservation.
Q. How are elements nominated for the ICH Representative List?
States submit a nomination file (one nomination every two years) demonstrating community consent, safeguarding plans, and cultural significance; nominations are evaluated by the Intergovernmental Committee.
Q. Why is Deepavali’s inscription significant for development policy?
Deepavali’s inclusion recognises its role in sustaining seasonal livelihoods, supporting artisans and cultural tourism, and contributing to SDGs such as No Poverty (SDG 1), Good Health (SDG 3), Gender Equality (SDG 5) and Sustainable Cities (SDG 11).
UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Questions (PYQs)
Prelims
Q. Recently, which one of the following was included in the UNESCO’s World Heritage list? (2009)
(a) Dilwara Temple
(b) Kalka-Shimla Railway
(c) Bhiterkanika Mangrove Area
(d) Visakhapatnam to Araku valley railway line
Ans: B
Q2.With reference to Manipuri Sankirtana, consider the following statements: (2017)
- It is a song and dance performance
- Cymbals are the only musical instruments used in the performance
- It is performed to narrate the life and deeds of Lord Krishna
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1, 2 and 3
(b) 1 and 3 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1 only
Ans: B
India’s First Indigenous Hydrogen Fuel Cell Vessel
12-12-2025
Source: PIB
The Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways flagged off India’s first indigenous hydrogen fuel-cell vessel in Varanasi, marking a significant milestone in the nation’s drive toward clean and sustainable inland water transport.
- Technical & Design Features: Entirely developed and built in India by Cochin Shipyard Ltd (CSL) in collaboration with the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI).
- Uses a Low Temperature Proton Exchange Membrane (LT‑PEM) fuel cell system.
- Produces electricity from stored hydrogen, with only water vapor as a byproduct — meaning virtually zero emissions (only water vapor).
- Integrated hybrid system combining hydrogen fuel cells, batteries, and solar power.
- Strategic Frameworks: The launch is in line with India's long-term strategic plans, including the Maritime India Vision 2030 (MIV 2030) and Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047 (MAKV 2047).
- It focuses on sustainable transport, smart infrastructure, and the use of alternative fuels in inland waterways.
- Significance:
- First of its Kind vessel launch places Varanasi at the forefront of India’s green waterways initiative.
- This vessel represents a major push toward net‑zero inland waterways, supporting India’s decarbonisation goals and clean energy transition.
- This green transport system will improve the travel experience for pilgrims visiting the spiritual capital of India and contribute to cleaner, more efficient mobility.
Transplantation of Human Organs and Tissues (Amendment) Rules, 2025
12-11-2025
Source: PIB
Why in News?
The Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has notified the Transplantation of Human Organs and Tissues (Amendment) Rules, 2025 under the Transplantation of Human Organs and Tissues Act (THOTA), 1994 to simplify corneal transplantation protocols and promote equitable access to organ and tissue transplantation services across India.
What are the Key Highlights of the Transplantation of Human Organs and Tissues (Amendment) Rules, 2025?
- Eases Equipment Requirements: The mandatory requirement for clinical specular microscopes in corneal transplantation centres has been removed.
- These microscopes, used to assess corneal cell health, were often expensive and difficult to procure for smaller centres.
- The amendment will ease infrastructure and operational hurdles for smaller eye centres, improving access to corneal transplant services nationwide.
Significance
- Promotes Equitable Healthcare: Expands access to organ, tissue, and eye donation services across regions, aligning with the goals of the National Organ Transplant Programme (NOTP).
- Boosts Eye Donation Efforts: Encourages more institutions to participate in eye donation and corneal transplantation, increasing the availability of donor tissue.
- Addresses Corneal Blindness: Helps tackle one of India’s leading causes of visual impairment by improving access to timely treatment.
- Corneal Blindness is vision impairment or blindness caused by damage or disease of the cornea (the transparent part of the eye that covers the iris and the pupil and allows light to enter the inside), often due to infection, injury, malnutrition, or genetic disorders.
- According to the Indian Journal of Ophthalmology, corneal blindness is the second-leading cause of blindness after cataract among Indians, affecting 1.2 million people, with 25,000–30,000 new cases each year.

What is Transplantation of Human Organs and Tissues Act, 1994?
- Background: Before 1994, India lacked a unified law on organ transplantation, relying on scattered state acts like the Bombay Corneal Grafting Act (1957) and Maharashtra Kidney Transplantation Act (1982).
- Rising illegal organ trade, especially in kidneys, led to public and expert demand for national regulation. The 1994 Act was framed on the recommendations of a committee led by Dr. L. M. Singhvi (1991) to ensure ethical and transparent transplantation.
- THOTA, 1994: It was enacted to regulate the removal, storage, and transplantation of human organs and tissues for therapeutic purposes, and to prevent commercial dealings in human organs.
- The Act facilitates the ethical retrieval of organs from brain-dead individuals and tissue transplantation in India by establishing a clear legal framework for donation and medical procedures.
- It promotes transparency and accountability in the retrieval, storage, and transplantation of human organs and tissues.
- Major Provisions of the Act: Defines the terms donor, recipient, and near relative to prevent misuse.
- It specifies that organ removal can be done only for therapeutic purposes and with informed consent.
- Establishes Authorization Committees to regulate transplantation activities.
- Amendments and Rules: The 2011 Amendment expanded the scope of the Act through the Transplantation of Human Organs (Amendment) Act, 2011, broadening coverage to include more organs and tissues.
- The Transplantation of Human Organs and Tissues Rules, 2014 were notified to operationalize the provisions of the Act.
- Implementation and Adoption by States: Since health is a State subject, states must adopt the Act for it to be applicable.
- The 1994 Act applies to all States and Union Territories, except Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, which have their own laws.
National Organ Transplant Programme (NOTP)
- About: The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, is implementing the NOTP to promote equitable access to organ and tissue donation and transplantation across all States and Union Territories.
- Institutional Framework: NOTTO (National Organ and Tissue Transplant Organisation) functions as the apex body in New Delhi, supported by Regional Organ and Tissue Transplant Organisations (ROTTOs) and State Organ and Tissue Transplant Organisations (SOTTOs).
- Key Components: The programme includes setting up State Organ and Tissue Transplant Organisations (SOTTOs) in every State and UT, along with National, Regional, and State Bio-material Centres.
- It provides financial aid to improve organ transplant facilities, trains medical professionals, and supports hiring transplant coordinators in medical colleges and trauma centres.
- Additionally, it ensures post-transplant immunosuppressant drugs for Below Poverty Line (BPL) patients.
- Achievements: India’s organ transplants increased from 4,990 in 2013 to 18,911 in 2024. India ranks 3rd globally in total organ transplants, behind the US and China, and 1st in living donor transplants.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the Transplantation of Human Organs and Tissues Act (THOTA), 1994?
THOTA, 1994 is the central law regulating removal, storage and transplantation of human organs and tissues for therapeutic purposes and prohibiting commercial dealings in organs.
2. What are the key highlights of the Transplantation of Human Organs and Tissues (Amendment) Rules, 2025?
The 2025 Rules remove the mandatory clinical specular microscope requirement for corneal centres, easing infrastructure hurdles and improving access to corneal transplantation especially in smaller and rural centres.
3. What is the National Organ Transplant Programme (NOTP)?
NOTP is the Government of India’s programme to promote organ and tissue donation nationwide via NOTTO (national), ROTTOs (regional) and SOTTOs (state), tissue banks, training, funding and awareness campaigns.
UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Questions (PYQs)
Prelims
Q. Consider the following statements: (2020)
- Genetic changes can be introduced in the cells that produce eggs or sperms of a prospective parent.
- A person’s genome can be edited before birth at the early embryonic stage.
- Human induced pluripotent stem cells can be injected into the embryo of a pig.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 2 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Ans: (d)
Q. With reference to the scientific progress of ancient India, which of the statements given below are correct? (2012)
- Different kinds of specialised surgical instruments were in common use by the 1st century AD.
- Transplant of internal organs in the human body had begun by the beginning of the 3rd century AD.
- The concept of sine of an angle was known in 5th century AD.
- The concept of cyclic quadrilaterals was known in 7th century AD.
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 3 and 4 only
(c) 1, 3 and 4 only
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
Ans: (c)
Vanadium Redox Flow Battery (VRFB) System
12-11-2025
Source:PIB
The Minister of Power and Housing & Urban Affairs inaugurated India’s largest and first megawatt-hour (MWh)-scale Vanadium Redox Flow Battery (VRFB) system with a 3 MWh capacity.
- This marks a key milestone in advancing long-duration energy storage (LDES) to strengthen renewable energy integration and grid resilience.
- Vanadium Redox Flow Battery: It is a type of electrochemical energy storage system that uses vanadium ions in different oxidation states to store and release electrical energy through redox (reduction–oxidation) reactions.
- Unlike conventional batteries, a VRFB stores energy in liquid electrolytes kept in external tanks, making it modular and easily scalable.
- Its energy capacity depends on the volume of the electrolyte, while the power output is determined by the size of the cell stack, allowing both to be scaled independently.
- VRFBs Advantages: VRFBs are scalable, long-lasting, and efficient, offering fast response, deep discharge, and high safety with non-flammable, recyclable vanadium electrolytes for sustainable energy storage.
- VRFBs Importance for Renewable Integration: Renewable sources like solar and wind generate power intermittently, depending on weather conditions.
- VRFBs store excess solar and wind energy, provide long-duration storage, and enhance grid stability by balancing supply and demand during intermittent generation.
- VRFB reduces dependence on imported lithium-ion batteries, strengthens energy security in line with Atmanirbhar Bharat.
MITRA SHAKTI-2025
12-11-2025
Source: PIB
The 11th edition of Exercise MITRA SHAKTI-2025, a joint military drill between India and Sri Lanka, was held at Belagavi, Karnataka, to strengthen defence cooperation and enhance interoperability in counter-terrorism and peacekeeping operations.
- Exercise MITRA SHAKTI: It is an annual joint training exercise between the Indian and Sri Lankan Armies, conducted alternatively in both countries since 2012.
- Sub-Conventional and Joint Counter-Terrorist Operations: The aim of the exercise is to jointly rehearse conduct of Sub Conventional Operations under Chapter VII of United Nations Mandate (deals with action concerning threats to peace, breaches of peace, and acts of aggression).
India-Sri Lanka Defence and Security Cooperation
- Sri Lanka is vital to India’s ‘MAHASAGAR Vision’ because of its strategic location near key Indian Ocean shipping lanes.
- Joint Military Exercises: Exercise MITRA SHAKTI (Army) and SLINEX (Naval) held alternatively in India and Sri Lanka every year.
- Humanitarian and Environmental Assistance: India has been the “first responder” during maritime emergencies in Sri Lankan waters.
- Capacity Building Initiatives: Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) for the Sri Lanka Navy, set up under a Government of India grant, commissioned in 2024.

Gati Shakti Transport Planning and Research Organisation (GTPRO)
12-11-2025
Source: ET
Why in News?
The Central Government is planning to restructure the PM Gati Shakti governance framework by dissolving the existing Network Planning Group (NPG) and establishing a new high-level body, the Gati Shakti Transport Planning and Research Organisation (GTPRO).
- The NPG, established under DPIIT to coordinate inter-ministerial projects within the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan, faced several internal challenges.
What is GatiShakti Transport Planning and Research Organisation(GTPRO)?
- About: The Integrated Transport Planning Authority, likely named Gati Shakti Transport Planning and Research Organisation (GTPRO), will create medium- to long-term roadmaps for each transport ministry, including roads, railways, shipping, and aviation.
- It will develop integrated 5- and 10-year plans, aligning with India’s goal to create world-class infrastructure and become a developed nation by 2047.
- Structure: Headed by a Cabinet Secretary.
- Functions:
- Project Appraisal: Review and approve transport sector projects valued above ₹500 crore.
- Monitoring & Evaluation: Track project progress and assess economic and environmental outcomes.
- Data Repository: Maintain a unified national database to support future infrastructure planning.
- Policy Research: Recommend strategies to lower logistics costs and improve operational efficiency.
- Institutional Model: Inspired by unified transport planning bodies in the US, UK, and Germany, GTPRO will function as an integrated think tank for infrastructure strategy and research.
- Implementation Timeline: Expected to be operational from the next financial year.

PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan (NMP)
- The PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan (NMP) is the digital command centre for infrastructure planning in India.
- Built on a GIS-based platform, it hosts over 550 layers of live data, including economic clusters, logistics hubs, forests, rivers, and social infrastructure.
- As of 2025, the entire 1.46 lakh km National Highway network has been mapped onto the NMP portal.
- This enables geo-intelligent planning, reducing project delays, environmental conflicts, and cost overruns.
India’s Initiatives for New-Age Highways
- India’s Standing: India has the second-largest road network in the world, spanning over 63 lakh km as of March 2025, with National Highways expanding by 60% from 91,287 km in 2014 to 1,46,204 km in 2025.

- FASTag & NETC Ecosystem: Developed by NPCI, the National Electronic Toll Collection (NETC) ensures seamless toll payments via FASTag — an RFID-based system with over 98% coverage with 8 crore users.
- MLFF Tolling System (2025): First Multi-Lane Free Flow (MLFF) toll launched at Choryasi Fee Plaza, Gujarat — a camera and RFID-based tolling system that reads vehicles in motion.
- Rajmargyatra: The Rajmargyatra app, launched by the Government, is a citizen-centric mobile platform for highway travellers.
- NHAI One App: The NHAI One app unifies project operations and uses real-time geo-tracking to enhance efficiency and transparency across highways.
- Technology Driving Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS): ITS integrates ATMS and V2X technologies, deployed on key corridors such as Delhi–Meerut, Trans-Haryana, Eastern Peripheral, and Bengaluru–Mysuru Expressways.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Q1. What is GTPRO and why is it being established?
GTPRO (GatiShakti Transport Planning and Research Organisation) will replace the Network Planning Group to provide unified, long-term infrastructure planning and project appraisal across all transport ministries.
Q2. How does PM Gati Shakti’s GIS-based platform improve project planning?
It integrates 550+ layers of real-time data, enabling faster, environmentally sensitive, and more efficient transport planning.
Q3. What role do apps like Rajmargyatra and NHAI One play in transport modernization?
They provide real-time data, user feedback, and operational monitoring, promoting citizen engagement and digital governance.
UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Questions (PYQs)
Prelims:
Q1. In India, the term “Public Key Infrastructure” is used in the context of : (2020)
(a) Digital security infrastructure
(b) Food security infrastructure
(c) Health care and education infrastructure
(d) Telecommunication and transportation infrastructure
Ans: (a)
Mains:
Q. National Urban Transport Policy (NUTP) emphasises on ‘moving people’ instead of ‘moving vehicles’. Discuss critically the success of the various strategies of the Government in this regard. (2014)
India–Sri Lanka Fishing Dispute and Way Forward
12-09-2025
Source: TH
Why in News?
The India–Sri Lanka fishing dispute highlights the need for a “humane approach” that balances fishing livelihoods with ecological conservation in the Palk Strait and around Katchatheevu island.

What is the India–Sri Lanka Fishing Dispute?
- Location: The dispute centers around the Palk Strait, the narrow body of water separating Tamil Nadu (India) and the Northern Province of Sri Lanka. Palk Strait connects the Palk Bay to the Bay of Bengal.
- Katchatheevu is a tiny, uninhabited islet in the Palk Strait. The dispute concerns this 285-acre island, which was ceded to Sri Lanka under the 1974 Maritime Boundary Agreement.
- While sovereignty is legally settled in Sri Lanka’s favour, Indian fishermen are allowed to visit the islet for drying nets and for religious purposes.
- Fishing rights remain a separate matter governed by historic practice, international law (United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), 1982), and bilateral agreements.
- Communities involved: Traditional Tamil Nadu fishers and Sri Lanka’s Northern Province fishers have shared these waters for centuries.
- Key conflict: Indian mechanised trawlers enter Sri Lankan waters, engaging in bottom trawling, which is banned in Sri Lanka since 2017. This damages coral reefs, shrimp habitats, and depletes fish stocks.
- Small-scale artisanal fishers struggle to survive as mechanised trawlers pursue commercial profit, often damaging shared marine resources.
- The conflict is thus both cross-border (India–Sri Lanka) and intra-community (artisanal vs trawler operators in Tamil Nadu).
- High Seas Issues: Due to depleted fish stocks, Indian fishermen are increasingly venturing into the High Seas, leading to arrests in Maldivian waters and by the British Navy near Diego Garcia for allegedly crossing maritime boundaries.
What Measures Can Address the India–Sri Lanka Fishing Issue and Ensure Sustainable Fisheries?
- Distinguish livelihoods: Prioritise artisanal fishers who depend on traditional, sustainable methods. Phase out mechanised bottom trawling, which harms ecosystems and deprives both Indian and Sri Lankan small-scale fishers.
- Strengthen cooperation frameworks: Establish an India–Sri Lanka Fisheries Management Council with fisher groups, scientists, and officials.
- Use UNCLOS Article 123 to guide cooperation in the semi-enclosed Palk Strait and Gulf of Mannar.
- Consider joint quotas (similar to the Baltic Sea Fisheries Convention’s quota-sharing model), seasonal fishing rights, or regulated fishing days specifically for artisanal fishers.
- Invest in alternatives: Promote deep-sea fishing in India’s 200-nautical-mile Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) to reduce pressure on near-shore resources.
- Provide training, modern vessels, and financial support for fishers to transition away from destructive practices.
- Depoliticise Katchatheevu: Accept that sovereignty over Katchatheevu is legally settled under the 1974 Treaty. Debunk myths that it was “gifted” as historical records show Sri Lanka had stronger claims.
- Emphasise that fishing rights are separate from sovereignty and can still be negotiated cooperatively. Use Katchatheevu for joint marine research stations and as a hub for ecological cooperation.
- Foster community empathy: Highlight the wartime hardships of Sri Lankan Tamil fishers to build goodwill in Tamil Nadu. Encourage people-to-people ties, recalling Tamil Nadu’s humanitarian support during Sri Lanka’s civil war.
Conclusion
The Katchatheevu and Palk Strait issues should be seen as opportunities for cooperation, not conflict. A fair fisheries regime that protects artisanal livelihoods and ecology is key. Smaller disputes must not overshadow the larger vision of peace and mutual respect in South Asia.
|
Drishti Mains Question:
Q. The India–Sri Lanka fishing dispute reflects the clash between livelihood needs and ecological sustainability. Discuss
|
UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Questions (PYQs)
Mains
Q. ‘India is an age-old friend of Sri Lanka.’ Discuss India's role in the recent crisis in Sri Lanka in the light of the preceding statement. (2022)
Q. In respect of India-Sri Lanka relations, discuss how domestic factors influence foreign policy. (2013)
Isobutanol Blending with Diesel
12-09-2025
Source: TH
India is now exploring isobutanol blending with diesel after unsuccessful ethanol-diesel trials, highlighting the government’s push for biofuels to support farmers, reduce oil imports, and ensure sustainable energy use.
- Isobutanol: It is a four-carbon alcohol (C₄H₁₀O), flammable, colorless, and traditionally used as a solvent in paints, coatings, and chemical industries. It is produced both from petrochemical processes and fermentation of biomass.
- Properties (vs. Ethanol): Higher energy density than ethanol (closer to diesel).
- It has lower hygroscopicity (absorbs less water than ethanol), reducing risks of corrosion in engines and pipelines.
- Isobutanol Blending Trials: Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI) is testing 10% isobutanol–diesel blends.
- Isobutanol is also being explored as an independent fuel and in Compressed Natural Gas (CNG)-isobutanol flex-fuel options for tractors and agri-machinery.
- Benefits for India: Isobutanol enhances energy security while promoting a cleaner alternative to fossil fuels. Supports India’s National Biofuel Policy (2018) goals of energy transition and farmer income support.
Samudra Pradakshina
12-09-2025
Source: PIB
Defence Minister flagged off ‘Samudra Pradakshina’, the world’s first-ever Tri-service all-women sailing circumnavigation expedition, symbolising Nari Shakti, jointness of Armed Forces, Aatmanirbhar Bharat, and India’s maritime vision.
- It builds on India’s earlier circumnavigation milestones by Captain Dilip Donde (2009–10), Commander Abhilash Tomy (2012–13), and the Indian Navy’s Navika Sagar Parikrama (2017–18) and Navika Sagar Parikrama-II (2024–25).
- Expedition: The crew, led by Lt Col Anuja Varudkar, consists of 10 women officers who will sail on the indigenously built Indian Army Sailing Vessel (IASV) Triveni for 9 months, covering 26,000 nautical miles.
- Their route crosses the Equator twice and rounds the three great Capes (Leeuwin, Horn, and Good Hope), including the challenging Southern Ocean and Drake Passage.
- They will make international port calls at Fremantle (Australia), Lyttelton (New Zealand), Port Stanley (Canada), and Cape Town (South Africa), strengthening India’s maritime diplomacy.
- It also has a scientific component, with collaboration from the National Institute of Oceanography to study microplastics, marine biodiversity, and ocean health.
- Global Standards: The expedition adheres to the World Sailing Speed Record Council, requiring the crossing of all longitudes, Equator crossings and completion of over 21,600 nautical miles under sail alone, without use of canals or powered transit, making it a true test of endurance.
Black Aspergillus in Western Ghats
12-09-2025
Source: PIB
Scientists have discovered two new species of black aspergillus (Aspergillus dhakephalkarii and Aspergillus patriciawiltshireae), from the Western Ghats, marking India’s first study in this group using advanced polyphasic taxonomy.
- The Western Ghats is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the eight "hottest hotspots" of biodiversity.
Black Aspergillus
- It comprises a diverse group of filamentous fungi that are ubiquitously distributed across various ecological niches and are of considerable medical, industrial, and ecological significance.
- Also known as ‘workhorses of industrial application’ especially in citric acid production, food mycology, fermentation technology, and agriculture.
World’s 8 ‘Hottest Biodiversity Hotspots
- There are 8 recognized “hottest hotspots” due to their exceptional species richness and endemism.
- Madagascar – 90% of wildlife found nowhere else else on Earth; home to lemurs, chameleons, baobab trees.
- Philippines – Over 52,000 species; rich rainforests, coral reefs, and mangroves; includes Philippine eagle, tarsier.
- Sundaland (SE Asia) – Oldest tropical rainforests; orangutan, Sumatran tiger, pygmy elephant.
- Brazil’s Atlantic Forests – Only ~12% remains; golden lion tamarin, sloth, diverse plants.
- Caribbean Islands – 7,000+ islands; tropical forests, reefs, mangroves; unique birds, reptiles, amphibians.
- Indo-Burma Region – NE India to Vietnam; saola, highly endangered.
- Western Ghats & Sri Lanka – Endemics like lion-tailed macaque, Nilgiri tahr, Sri Lankan leopard.
- Eastern Arc & Coastal Forests (Tanzania & Kenya) – Ancient forests, endemic owls, colobus monkeys, unique plants.

Initiatives Driving the Agricultural Growth in India
12-07-2025
Source: PIB
Why in News?
At the 16th Agriculture Leadership Conclave, the Union Minister of Commerce and Industry, highlighted major initiatives driving agricultural growth in India, focusing on soil health, credit access, digital innovation, and global trade.
What are the Initiatives Driving the Agricultural Growth in India?
- Minimum Support Price (MSP) Enhancements: MSP for several crops has seen significant increases, with pulses and oilseeds witnessing up to 98% higher MSP, directly benefiting farmers by ensuring remunerative prices for their produce.
- This policy aims to reduce farmers' vulnerabilities to market fluctuations and provide a financial cushion for their efforts.
- Soil Health Cards: Over 25 crore Soil Health Cards have been distributed. SHCs provide farmers with vital information on the health of their soil, guiding them on the type and amount of fertilisers to use, thereby improving crop yield and reducing over-reliance on harmful chemicals.
- Kisan Credit Card (KCC): Ensures wider access to crop loans and agricultural credit, supporting timely inputs and farm activities.
- As of 2024, there are 7.75 crore active KCC accounts with Rs 9.81 lakh crore in outstanding loans. Additionally, 1.24 lakh KCCs have been issued for fisheries and 44.4 lakh for animal husbandry activities.
- PM-KISAN Samman Nidhi: It is a Central Sector scheme with 100% funding from Government of India. Under the scheme an income support of 6,000/- per year in three equal installments will be provided to all land holding farmer families.
- The fund will be directly transferred to the bank accounts of the beneficiaries.
- As of 2024, 11.8 crore farmers have received financial assistance, making it one of the world’s largest Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) schemes.
- e-NAM Integration: 1,400 mandis have been linked with the electronic National Agriculture Market (e-NAM) to improve transparency and price realisation.
- Fertiliser Subsidies: The Indian government budgeted over Rs 1.67 lakh crore– nearly 70% of India's agriculture budget–for fertiliser subsidy for the financial year 2025-26. Fertiliser subsidies are nearly 40% of India's total subsidy spending.
- Free Trade Agreements (FTAs): India’s FTAs with Australia, UAE, EFTA nations, and the UK have opened up new international markets for Indian agri-products.
- Digital Agriculture: Emphasis on AI, geospatial tech, weather forecasting, and vertical farming to modernize the farm sector.
- The Digital Agriculture Mission, approved in 2024, aims to build a farmer-centric digital ecosystem. It includes key components like AgriStack, which digitizes farmers' data, land, and crop details to ensure access to services like credit and insurance.
- Support to Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs): The “Formation and Promotion of 10,000 FPOs” scheme, launched in 2020, aims to empower small and marginal farmers by collectivising them for better market access, reduced input costs, and improved incomes.
- As of February 2025, around 30 lakh farmers (40% women) have joined FPOs.
- FPOs are supported by multiple ministries including Agriculture, and Food Processing. A dedicated Credit Guarantee Fund ensures improved credit access, enhancing the viability of FPOs and boosting rural entrepreneurship.
- Agri-Exports and Value Addition: India’s agriculture and fisheries exports have reached Rs 4.5 lakh crore and hold the potential to scale up to Rs 20 lakh crore.
- Infrastructure and Irrigation: Investments in warehousing, cold chains, drip irrigation, and organic/natural farming practices are being scaled up.
- The Agricultural Infrastructure Fund (AIF) scheme, has been expanded to strengthen agrarian infrastructure through broader project eligibility, including viable community farming assets, integrated processing projects, and convergence with PM-KUSUM to promote clean energy.
- From 2015-2025, 96.97 lakh ha has been covered under micro irrigation through Per Drop More Crop (PDMC) Scheme, which includes 46.37 lakh ha under drip irrigation and 50.60 lakh ha under sprinkler irrigation.
India’s Agricultural Growth
- The agriculture & allied sector grew at 5% annually (FY17–FY23), with gross value added (GVA) share rising from 24.38% (2014-15) to 30.23% (2022-23). Agriculture income rose by 5.23% annually over the last decade.
- In FY24, India’s agri-food exports reached USD 46.44 billion (11.7% of total exports). The share of processed food rose from 14.9% in FY18 to 23.4% in FY24, highlighting growing value addition.
|
Drishti Mains Question:
Critically assess India's integrated approach towards agricultural growth and increasing the farmers’ income.
|
UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Question (PYQ)
Mains
Q. Explain various types of revolutions, took place in Agriculture after Independence in India. How have these revolutions helped in poverty alleviation and food security in India? (2017)
Q. Given the vulnerability of Indian agriculture to vagaries of nature, discuss the need for crop insurance and bring out the salient features of the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY). (2016)
Revival of Lotus in Wular Lake
12-07-2025
Source: IE
After three decades of ecological dormancy caused by the 1992 flood, lotus flowers have once again begun blooming in Kashmir’s Wular Lake due to focused conservation efforts led by Wular Conservation and Management Authority (WUCMA).
- Lotus stems (locally called Nadru) couldn’t grow since 1992 as seeds were buried under heavy silt, but the rhizomes (creeping root stalks) survived deep below and sprouted once the silt was removed.
Wular Lake
- About: It is the largest freshwater lake in India and the second largest in Asia (after Lake Baikal in Siberia, Russia), located between Bandipora and Sopore in Jammu & Kashmir.
- Geography: It is located at the foothills of the Haramuk Mountain and is fed by the Jhelum River along with 25 other streams that feed it.
- It has a small island in its centre called the Zaina Lank, constructed by Zainul-Abi-Din, 8th sultan of Kashmir.
- Ecological Importance: In 1990, it was designated as a Wetland of International Importance under the Ramsar Convention.
- Geology: The basin of the lake was formed due to tectonic activity. It is also believed to be a remnant of the ancient Satisar Lake.
- Avian Fauna: Wular Lake is home to 56 bird species, 39 fish species, and over 20 types of plants.
- Notable migratory bird species found here include the White-bellied Heron, Pink-headed Duck, Baer’s Pochard, and the Kashmir Catfish.
Lotus (Nelumbo Nucifera)
- The lotus is a perennial plant with bowl-shaped flowers that have petals with an 8 to 12 inch diameter.
- It is an aquatic plant that thrives in nutrient-rich, murky conditions.
- It comes in shades of pink hues, yellow or white.
- It is recognised as the national flower of India. The lotus is a recurring motif of Hindu and Buddhist religions.

International Criminal Court (ICC)
12-07-2025
Source: IE
The International Criminal Court (ICC) has issued arrest warrants against Taliban leaders under Article 7(1)(h) of the Rome Statute for crimes against humanity, citing systematic gender and political persecution in Afghanistan.
International Criminal Court (ICC)
- About: ICC is the world’s first permanent international court established to prosecute individuals for the most serious crimes of global concern.
- It is headquartered in Hague, Netherlands and governed by the Rome Statute, which is the founding treaty of the ICC, adopted on 17th July 1998 and entered into force on 1st July 2002.
- Crimes Under ICC: The Rome Statute grants the ICC jurisdiction over 4 core international crimes- Genocide, Crimes against Humanity, War Crimes, Crime of Aggression.
- Jurisdiction & Mandate: The ICC prosecutes individuals, not states, for grave international crimes and cover crimes committed after 1st July 2002, the date the Rome Statute came into effect.
- It acts only when national jurisdictions are unwilling or unable to prosecute.
- The Court has jurisdiction in countries that are parties to the Rome Statute, or in non-member states if referred by the UN Security Council (UNSC).
- Parties to ICC:
- The Rome Statute has been ratified by 125 countries, including the UK and most European nations. Over 30 others have signed but not yet ratified the treaty.
- Afghanistan has been a member since 2003, while India, along with countries like the US, Israel, China are not parties to the ICC.
- India has raised objections due to concerns over sovereignty and the UNSC's referral powers within the Court's framework.
- Structure: The Presidency, Judicial Divisions, Office of the Prosecutor and the Registry are its 4 main organs.
- The Assembly of States Parties (ASP), consisting of representatives from member states, provides legislative oversight and ensures proper governance of the ICC.
- Enforcement: The ICC lacks its own police or enforcement mechanism and relies on voluntary cooperation of member states for arresting and surrendering accused individuals, freezing assets, and implementing its sentences.

INS Nistar
12-07-2025
Source: PIB
The Indian Navy has inducted INS Nistar, its first indigenously built Diving Support Vessel (DSV), delivered by Hindustan Shipyard Limited (HSL), Visakhapatnam.
- A DSV is a specialized naval ship designed for underwater operations, including diver deployment, rescue missions, and submarine crew recovery.

INS Nistar
- Technical Specifications: It measures approximately 120 metres in length with a displacement of around 10,000 tonnes.
- It has an endurance of over 60 days at sea, is capable of supporting helicopter operations, and is equipped with a 15-tonne subsea crane to facilitate deep-sea recovery missions.
- Operational Capabilities: INS Nistar functions as the Mother Ship for Deep Submergence Rescue Vessels (DSRV) for submarine rescue, features a Dynamic Positioning System (DPS) for precise station-keeping, Side-Scan SONAR for seabed mapping, and supports search, recovery, diving, and salvage operations.
- Upon commissioning, the vessel will be inducted into the Eastern Naval Command to enhance capabilities in deep-sea diving and submarine rescue operations.
- The Indian Navy is organized into 3 major commands: Western, Eastern, and Southern Naval Commands.
- Legacy and Significance: INS Nistar continues the legacy of the original vessel acquired from the USSR in 1969 (decommissioned in 1989), significantly enhancing India’s submarine rescue capability, reinforcing strategic maritime autonomy, and strengthening India’s role as a net security provider in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR), which supports India’s SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) initiative.
Himalayas and Kashmir’s Climate Shift
12-07-2025
Source: PIB
A recent palaeobotanical study conducted by scientists from the Birbal Sahni Institute of Palaeosciences (BSIP), Lucknow, has revealed that the Kashmir Valley, currently known for its cool Mediterranean-type climate, was once a warm and humid subtropical region approximately 4 million years ago.
- BSIP was founded in 1946 to promote research in palaeobotany, and its foundation stone was laid by Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru in 1949. It received UNESCO support (1951–53) and became an autonomous body in 1969, funded by the Department of Science and Technology (DST).
Study on Kashmir’s Climate Shift
- About the Study: The study, based on a historic fossil leaf collection at BSIP, was prompted by a climatic mismatch between subtropical fossil specimens and Kashmir’s present-day temperate flora, leading to a fresh investigation into the valley’s ancient climate.
- Scientific Techniques Used: To reconstruct Kashmir’s palaeoclimate, the study used two key methods- CLAMP (Climate Leaf Analysis Multivariate Program), which analyzed leaf morphology (shape, size, margins) to estimate past temperature and rainfall, and the Coexistence Approach, which compared fossil taxa with their modern relatives to infer ancient climate ranges.
- Key Findings: Fossilized leaves from the Karewa sediments from Kashmir indicate that the valley once supported a lush subtropical forest.
- Many fossils resemble modern species from warm and humid climates, contrasting sharply with today's alpine and coniferous vegetation.
- The study attributes this climatic shift to the tectonic uplift of the Pir Panjal Range, part of the sub-Himalayan system.
- This uplift acted as a geological barrier, blocking the Indian summer monsoon, thereby reducing rainfall and transforming the region’s climate over geological timescales.
- Significance of the Study: The study enhances climate modelling by linking tectonic activity with ecosystem change, highlights the sensitivity of Himalayan ecosystems, and offers analogues for understanding monsoon dynamics, glacial melt, and topography interactions.
- It underscores the policy relevance of palaeoclimate research for biodiversity conservation, disaster preparedness, and sustainable development in fragile mountain regions.
Global HIV/AIDS Fight at Risk
12-07-2025
Source: IE
According to the UNAIDS, a sudden halt in US funding for the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) threatens to reverse decades of progress in the fight against HIV/AIDS.
- In January 2025, the US suddenly withdrew its USD 4 billion pledge, potentially leading to 4 million more AIDS-related deaths and 6 million new HIV infections by 2029.
- A breakthrough injectable drug, Yeztugo, shows 100% prevention efficacy — but the high price is keeping it out of reach for most low- and middle-income countries.
- PEPFAR, launched in 2003, aims at preventing Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infections, and saves lives.
- UNAIDS (Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS) is the UN's leading global agency dedicated to:
- Ending AIDS as a public health threat by 2030
- Coordinating HIV response across 11 UN agencies (e.g., WHO, UNICEF, World Bank)
- Advocating for equitable access to prevention, treatment, and care.
Petrodollar System
12-01-2026
Source: TH
The US capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has renewed attention on the declining influence of the petrodollar amid changing global oil trade dynamics.
- Venezuela holds the world’s largest proven oil reserves (~300 billion barrels, ~17% of global stock) but produces only about 1 million barrels per day, leaving vast untapped potential.
- The Trump administration aims to revive Venezuela’s oil industry by involving US energy majors, potentially re-anchoring future oil production within the US economic orbit.
- Petrodollar System: The petrodollar system refers to the global arrangement under which international crude oil trade is predominantly priced and settled in US dollars, creating sustained global demand for the dollar and reinforcing US economic, financial, and geopolitical dominance.
- Peak of Petrodollar Influence: Between 2002 and 2008, high oil prices and US dependence on crude imports enabled oil-exporting countries to recycle large surpluses into US Treasury markets, which suppressed US bond yields and contributed to lower global interest rates.
- Post-shale Structural Shift: Following the shale oil revolution, the US became the world’s largest oil producer and a net oil exporter since 2021, significantly altering traditional petrodollar dynamics.
- Changing Oil Revenue Usage: Oil-producing countries like Saudi Arabia are increasingly using their oil revenues to finance domestic budget deficits rather than investing heavily in US financial assets, weakening earlier capital flow patterns.
- De-dollarisation Trend: An estimated around 20% of global crude trade is now priced in non-dollar currencies such as the euro and Chinese yuan, reflecting reduced dollar dominance in oil trade.
- The historical inverse relationship between the dollar and oil prices has weakened sharply, indicating declining financial leverage of the petrodollar system.
Census 2027
12-01-2026
Source: IE
The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has notified the commencement of house-listing operations for Census of India 2027, marking the start of preparations for the 16th Census, the first nationwide census exercise since 2011.
Key Highlights of Census 2027
- Phased Timeline: It follows a 2-phase structure, i.e., Phase I (2026) for House-listing and Housing Census, and Phase II (2027) for Population Enumeration.
- House-listing operations will occur from 1st April to 30th September, 2026, with each State and Union Territory completing them within a 30-day window.
- The population enumeration reference date will be 1st March, 2027 (for most of the country), or 1st October, 2026, for snow-bound and remote regions like Ladakh, Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand.
- Legal Basis: The Census is being conducted under Sections 3 and 17A of the Census Act, 1948 by the Office of the Registrar General of India (RGI), and supersedes the 2020 notification for the deferred 2021 Census.
- Digital and Self-Enumeration: It will be India's first digital census, with a formal provision for a 15-day self-enumeration window allowing households to submit data online before an enumerator's visit.
- It will involve digital tools including GPS tagging, offline data capture (for low-connectivity areas), cloud uploads, and and a Census Management and Monitoring System for near-real-time supervision.
- Expanded Data Points: House-listing includes 34 columns with new parameters: internet access, smartphone ownership, type of gas connection (PNG/LPG), vehicle categorization, drinking water source, and cereal consumption.
- Historic & Political Significance: It will include the first nationwide caste enumeration since 1931 (beyond SCs/STs) and will form the basis for future delimitation of electoral constituencies once the constitutional freeze is lifted.

PM Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana
11-12-2025
Source: PIB
The PM Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana (PM-DDKY) – FPO Sangam was successfully hosted by the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare, with over 72 Farmers Producer Organisation (FPO)s from 15 states participating.
Prime Minister Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana
- About: PMDDKY (2025–26 to 2030–31) is a comprehensive farm programme designed to enhance productivity, promote sustainable practices, and improve livelihoods. It converges 36 existing schemes from 11 departments.
- The fund is allocated with 40% for subsidies, 30% for infrastructure, 20% for loans, and 10% for training and market support.
- Key Objectives: Boost agricultural productivity, promote crop diversification, enhance post-harvest storage and value addition, support women and youth in allied sectors, and achieve self-sufficiency in foodgrains, pulses, and oilseeds.
- District Selection Criteria: Districts are selected based on low crop productivity (below national averages), moderate cropping intensity (under 1.55 crop cycles per year), and low credit access (typically below 30% farmer coverage).
- Implementation Structure: Each selected district will establish a District DDKY Samiti, chaired by the District Collector, to implement the District Agriculture Development Plan (DADP), with oversight provided by 100 Central Nodal Officers (primarily Joint Secretaries).


INTERPOL Issues Blue Corner Notice
11-12-2025
Source: ET
In the aftermath of the Goa nightclub fire that claimed 25 lives, INTERPOL has issued a Blue Corner Notice against the absconding owners of the nightclub to help trace their location across borders.
- INTERPOL notices are issued by the General Secretariat upon request from a country’s National Central Bureau (NCB).
- Interpol publishes a Notice only if it meets legal standards under its Constitution and data protection rules, ensuring information quality and privacy.
- Blue Corner Notice: It is issued to collect information about a person’s identity, location, or activities linked to a criminal investigation.
- It is not an arrest warrant, unlike a Red Notice, but it helps law enforcement agencies across countries track suspects internationally.
|
Type of Notice
|
Purpose
|
|
Red Notice
|
To seek the location and arrest of persons wanted for prosecution or to serve a sentence
|
|
Yellow Notice
|
To locate missing persons, especially minors, or identify persons unable to identify themselves
|
|
Black Notice
|
To seek information on unidentified bodies
|
|
Green Notice
|
To warn about a person’s criminal activities who may pose a threat to public safety
|
|
Orange Notice
|
To warn of an event, person, object, or process posing a serious and imminent public safety threat
|
|
Purple Notice
|
To share information on modus operandi, tools, devices, and concealment methods used by criminals
|
|
Silver Notice (Pilot)
|
To identify and trace criminal assets
|
|
INTERPOL–UNSC Special Notice
|
Issued for individuals and entities under UN Security Council sanctions
|

Hybrid Mutual Funds
11-12-2025
Source:ET
Why in News?
As equity markets touch new highs, hybrid mutual fund schemes are gaining popularity among investors. Wealth managers are increasingly recommending these funds, especially for investors who find it difficult to rebalance investments on their own.
What are the Hybrid Mutual Funds?
- About: Hybrid mutual funds are mutual fund schemes that invest in more than one asset class, mainly equity (stocks) and debt (bonds), and in some cases gold, REITs (Real Estate Investment Trusts) and InvITs (Infrastructure Investment Trusts).
- Their primary objective is to provide a balanced mix of growth and stability by distributing investments across different assets.
- They are also known as asset allocation funds because they follow a pre-decided investment pattern.
- Working Mechanism: Hybrid funds follow a fixed or flexible mix of investments. A part of the money is put into equity for growth, while the rest goes into debt or other assets for safety.
- The fund manager regularly rebalances the portfolio to keep this mix intact, so the risk stays under control without any effort from the investor.
- Significance: Hybrid funds are preferred because they spread risk across different assets, show lower ups and downs than pure equity funds, and give more stable returns.
- Tax Benefits: In traditional debt mutual funds or direct investments in bonds or deposits, the income earned is taxed according to the investor's tax slab. This can be as high as 30% for those in the higher tax brackets.
- Hybrid funds with over 65% in equity (or a mix of equity and arbitrage) are considered "equity funds" for tax purposes. The debt portion in such funds benefits from long-term capital gains (LTCG) tax rates.
- This means any profits from stocks (if held for more than a year) are taxed at a lower rate than profits from bonds or other investments.
- This makes hybrid funds tax-efficient compared to regular debt investments.
Major Types of Hybrid Mutual Funds
|
Type of Fund
|
Description
|
|
Equity Savings Fund
|
Invests a small portion in equity (10–25%) and the rest in debt and arbitrage for stable, low-risk returns
|
|
Balanced Hybrid Fund
|
Allocates 40–60% each to equity and debt to balance growth and stability
|
|
Aggressive Hybrid Fund
|
Invests 65–80% in equity and the rest in debt for higher growth with higher risk
|
|
Dynamic Asset Allocation / Balanced Advantage Fund
|
Shifts between equity and debt based on market conditions and valuations
|
|
Multi-Asset Allocation Fund
|
Invests in at least three asset classes such as equity, debt, and gold for wider diversification
|
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q. What are hybrid mutual funds?
Hybrid mutual funds invest in more than one asset class, mainly equity and debt, to provide a balanced risk-return profile.
Q. Why are hybrid funds considered tax-efficient?
Hybrid funds with over 65% equity exposure are taxed as equity funds, attracting lower LTCG tax (12.5%) compared to debt instruments.
Q. What is the working mechanism of hybrid mutual funds?
They follow a fixed or flexible asset mix and are regularly rebalanced by the fund manager to control risk automatically.
Summary
- Hybrid mutual funds are becoming popular as equity markets reach new highs, offering automatic asset allocation for investors who find it difficult to rebalance portfolios themselves.
- These funds invest across multiple asset classes—mainly equity and debt, and sometimes gold or REITs—to provide a balanced mix of growth and stability.
- Hybrid funds are considered tax-efficient, as schemes with over 65% equity exposure are taxed like equity funds, giving lower long-term capital gains tax compared to debt instruments.
- Fund managers regularly rebalance the portfolio to maintain the pre-set asset allocation, helping investors manage risk without active involvement.
UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Questions (PYQs)
Prelims
Q. In the context of finance, the term ‘beta’ refers to (2023)
a) the process of simultaneous buying and selling of an asset from different platforms.
b) an investment strategy of a portfolio manager to balance risk versus reward
c) a type of systemic risk that arises where perfect hedging is not possible
d) a numeric value that measures the fluctuations of a stock to changes in the overall stock market
Ans: d
ICFT–UNESCO Gandhi Medal
11-11-2025
Source: PIB
The 56th International Film Festival of India (IFFI), 2025, the ICFT-UNESCO Gandhi Medal continues to honour cinematic works that embody Mahatma Gandhi’s values of peace, non-violence, and inter-cultural dialogue.
ICFT–UNESCO Gandhi Medal
- About: It was instituted at 46th edition of IFFI (2015) in collaboration with International Council For Film, Television And Audiovisual Communication (ICFT)-Paris under UNESCO.
- This medal honours films that not only hold high artistic and cinematic standards but also encourage ethical reflection on society's most pressing issues.
- The award was created to foster a deeper understanding of humanity’s shared values through the transformative power of cinema.
- Significance of the Medal:
- Cultural Diplomacy Tool: It aligns with India's soft power strategy by promoting non-violence, tolerance, and peace through cinema.
- Global Recognition: It is awarded to a film that best reflects Gandhian ideals, selected by an international jury of experts in cinema and communication from UNESCO-affiliated institutions.
- UNESCO Partnership: It enhances India’s role in global cultural governance, working alongside UN bodies on promoting ethical storytelling.
- ICFT: was established at the General Conference of UNESCO held in New Delhi in 1956 to encourage intercultural dialogue and peace through film, television, and digital media.
- International Film Festival of India (IFFI):
- The IFFI is Asia’s oldest and most significant film festival, established in 1952.
- Since 2004, IFFI has been permanently hosted in Goa, jointly organized by: National Film Development Corporation (NFDC), Ministry of Information & Broadcasting and Entertainment Society of Goa (ESG), Government of Goa.
Co-Op Kumbh 2025
11-11-2025
Source: IE
The Union Minister of Cooperation inaugurated ‘Co-Op Kumbh 2025’, an international conference on the future of India’s urban cooperative banking sector, and adopted the Delhi Declaration 2025.
Key Outcomes
- Delhi Declaration 2025: It will serve as a roadmap for the expansion of Urban Cooperative Banks (UCBs).
- Digital Initiatives: Launch of Sahkar Digi-Pay and Sahkar Digi-Loan apps to enable even the smallest UCBs to offer digital payment and loan facilities.
- Expansion Goal: A target to establish one UCB in every city with a population of over 2 lakhs within 5 years.
- Future Initiatives: National Federation of Urban Cooperative Banks and Credit Societies (NAFCUB) has been directed to onboard 1,500 banks onto Sahkar Digi-Pay within two years; encourage conversion of successful credit societies into UCBs.
- NAFCUB is an Apex Level promotional body for Urban Cooperative Banks and Credit Societies, registered as a Multi-State Cooperative Society in February 1977.
Key Achievements in Cooperative Sector
Rules for Sustainable Harnessing of Fisheries in the Exclusive Economic Zone
11-11-2025
Source: PIB
Why in News?
India has notified the Rules for Sustainable Harnessing of Fisheries in the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). This major step supports India’s Blue Economy vision and fulfills the Union Budget 2025–26 announcement to build a sustainable deep-sea fisheries framework.
- The EEZ Rules aim to unlock India’s underused deep-sea resources, especially tuna. So far, fleets from Sri Lanka, Maldives, Indonesia, and Iran have taken most of tuna catch in the Indian Ocean, while Indian boats are limited to the nearshore waters.
What are the Rules for Sustainable Harnessing of Fisheries in the EEZ?
- Empowering Cooperatives and Community-Led Models: The rules prioritise Fishermen Cooperative Societies and Fish Farmer Producer Organisations (FFPOs) to conduct deep-sea fishing and manage modern vessels.
- They also encourage the mother–child vessel model to enable mid-sea trans-shipment under Reserve Bank of India monitored procedures.
- The Budget 2025–26 noted India’s position as the world’s second-largest fish and aquaculture producer with seafood exports of about Rs 60,000 crore.
- Prioritising cooperatives, value addition, and stronger traceability and certification is expected to further boost high-value exports.
- Promoting Sustainable Fishing and Mariculture: The rules prohibit harmful practices such as LED-light fishing, pair trawling, and bull trawling.
- They set minimum legal size limits for fish and mandate Fisheries Management Plans with states to protect biodiversity and rebuild declining stocks.
- The rules promote mariculture activities like sea-cage farming and seaweed cultivation to provide alternative livelihoods and reduce nearshore fishing pressure.
- Digital Access Pass Mechanism: Under the EEZ Rules, an Access Pass is required for mechanized and large-sized motorized vessels, which can be obtained free of cost through the online ReALCRaft portal.
- Traditional and small-scale fishers using motorised or non-motorised craft are exempt. Foreign vessels are barred from obtaining passes.
- Regulatory Reforms: Fish caught beyond the contiguous zone (a maritime area extending up to 24 nautical miles from the baseline beyond the territorial sea) in the Indian EEZ is treated as Indian origin under customs and revenue norms.
- This prevents such catches from being classified as imports when landed in Indian ports and enables smoother export accounting.
- Security Measures: The rules improve safety and security through mandatory transponders and QR Coded Aadhaar Card / Fishers ID Card.
- ReALCRaft is integrated with the Nabhmitra app for safe navigation and transponder use, helping the Coast Guard and Navy strengthen coastal security.
- To safeguard small-scale fishers, the rules call for a National Plan of Action to curb illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing in the EEZ.
ReALCRaft Portal
- It is a national online platform of the Department of Fisheries that enables vessel registration, licensing, ownership transfer, and related services, improving ease of doing business for fishers and coastal States/UTs.
- As of November 2025, about 2.38 lakh vessels are registered on the portal.
- ReALCRaft is being integrated with Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA) and the Export Inspection Council (EIC) to issue catch and health certificates, enabling traceability, sanitary compliance, and eco-labelling for high-value seafood exports.
What is the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ)?
- About: An “EEZ” is an area of the ocean, generally extending 200 nautical miles (230 miles) beyond a nation’s territorial sea, within which a coastal nation has jurisdiction over both living and nonliving resources.
- The EEZ, adopted under the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), grants a coastal state sovereign rights to explore, exploit, conserve, and manage natural resources up to 200 nautical miles from its coast.
- It also provides jurisdiction over artificial structures, marine research, and environmental protection.
- India and EEZ: India has an EEZ of over 23 lakh sq km, one of the largest in the world, extending up to 200 nautical miles from its coastline of about 11,099 km.
- This vast marine space supports the livelihoods of more than 50 lakh fishers across 13 coastal States and UTs, contributes significantly to seafood exports, and underpins the country’s Blue Economy.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is India’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ)?
The EEZ extends up to 200 nautical miles under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (1982), granting the coastal state sovereign rights over exploration, conservation and management of living and non-living resources
2. What are the core features of the new Exclusive Economic Zone Rules?
They prioritise Fishermen Cooperative Societies and Fish Farmer Producer Organisations, prohibit harmful practices such as LED-light fishing, pair trawling, and introduce a digital Access Pass through the ReALCRaft portal.
3. What is ReALCRaft Portal?
It is a national online platform of the Department of Fisheries that enables vessel registration, licensing, ownership transfer, and related services, improving ease of doing business for fishers and coastal States/UTs.
UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Questions (PYQs)
Prelims
Q. With reference to the United Nations Convention on the Law of Sea, consider the following statements: (2022)
- A coastal state has the right to establish the breadth of its territorial sea up to a limit not exceeding 12 nautical miles, measured from baseline determined in accordance with the convention.
- Ships of all states, whether coastal or land-locked, enjoy the right of innocent passage through the territorial sea.
- The Exclusive Economic Zone shall not extend beyond 200 nautical miles from the baseline from which the breadth of the territorial sea is measured.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Ans: D
SEBI Flags Digital Gold Risks
11-11-2025
Source: ET
The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has issued a strong advisory cautioning investors against investing in unregulated digital gold/e-gold products, highlighting their high risks and lack of investor protection.
- Key Risks Highlighted by SEBI:
- Unregulated Nature: Digital gold is not classified or regulated as a security or commodity derivative and lacks the investor protection mechanisms available for SEBI-approved products.
- Counterparty Risk: Investors rely entirely on the issuer, creating a high risk of default on physical gold or cash delivery.
- No Investor Protection: Market safeguards like insurance, grievance redressal, and guaranteed settlements do not apply, leaving investors without formal recourse.
- Digital gold: It refers to buying gold electronically without physical possession, with its price linked to physical gold. Created using blockchain technology, it allows investors to buy, sell, and store gold online.
- It is easy to access, can be sold quickly in emergencies, and allows investment with small amounts.
- It removes storage hassles and can be converted into physical gold like coins, bars, or jewellery when needed.
- Safer Alternatives: SEBI advises investors to use regulated gold investment options such as Sovereign Gold Bonds (SGBs), Gold exchange-traded fund (ETF), Electronic Gold Receipts (EGRs), and commodity derivatives.
- They offer regulatory oversight under SEBI, eliminate counterparty risk through guaranteed clearing, ensure transparent price discovery, and provide investor protection within SEBI’s framework.
Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY)
11-10-2025
Source: PIB
Why in News?
Over the past 10 years, Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY) has become a cornerstone of India’s sustainable agriculture initiatives.
- Due to soil degradation, water pollution, and chemical residues, India launched PKVY in 2015 to promote organic farming, increase farmer incomes, and support sustainable agriculture.
What is Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana?
- About: PKVY is part of the Soil Health Management (SHM) component under the National Mission on Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA).
- The scheme aims to support and promote organic farming, leading to improvements in soil health.
- Promotes the Participatory Guarantee System (PGS) for India, a locally relevant organic certification based on mutual trust, involving both producers and consumers.
- PGS-India operates outside the "Third Party Certification" system.
- Funding Pattern:
- Central and State Governments share the funding in a 60:40 ratio.
- For North Eastern and Himalayan States, the funding ratio is 90:10 (Centre: State).
- For Union Territories, the assistance is fully funded by the Central Government (100%).
- Eligibility: All farmers and institutions are eligible to apply. However, the maximum landholding for eligibility is 2 hectares.
- Key Features of PKVY
- Cluster-Based Approach: Farmers are organised into clusters of 20 hectares each, enabling shared resources, uniform standards, and cost reduction.
- End-to-End Support: The scheme supports farmers from production to processing, certification, and marketing.
- Training & Capacity Building: Farmers receive guidance on organic techniques, soil fertility improvement, and diversified cropping systems.
- Market Linkages: Encourages direct access to local and national markets, fostering entrepreneurship.
- The Jaivik Kheti Portal has been developed as a dedicated online platform to promote the direct sale of organic products from farmers to consumers.
- Key Benefits Offered Under the Scheme
- Under PKVY, farmers transitioning to organic farming receive ₹31,500 per hectare over a three-year period.
- The largest portion of this support is allocated for on-farm and off-farm organic inputs.

What are the Types of Organic Certification in India?
- Third-Party Certification (NPOP): Managed by accredited agencies under the National Programme for Organic Production (NPOP), it ensures compliance with international standards across production, processing, trading, and exports, enabling Indian farmers to access global organic markets.
- Participatory Guarantee System (PGS-India): A farmer-centric, community-based certification under the Ministry of Agriculture, where farmers collectively verify practices and declare produce as organic, primarily serving domestic markets and supporting small and marginal farmers.
UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Question (PYQ)
Prelims
Q.1 How is permaculture farming different from conventional chemical farming? (2021)
- Permaculture farming discourages monocultural practices but in conventional chemical farming, monoculture practices are predominant.
- Conventional chemical farming can cause an increase in soil salinity but the occurrence of such phenomenon is not observed in permaculture farming.
- Conventional chemical farming is easily possible in semi-arid regions but permaculture farming is not so easily possible in such regions.
- Practice of mulching is very important in permaculture farming but not necessarily so in conventional chemical farming.
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
(a) 1 and 3
(b) 1, 2 and 4
(c) 4 only
(d) 2 and 3
Ans: (b)
Q.2 Which of the following is the chief characteristic of ‘mixed farming’? (2012)
(a) Cultivation of both cash crops and food crops
(b) Cultivation of two or more crops in the same field
(c) Rearing of animals and cultivation of crops together
(d) None of the above
Ans: (c)
SC Halts Aravalli Jungle Safari Over Ecological Concerns
11-10-2025
Source: IE
The Supreme Court of India has temporarily halted the Aravalli Jungle Safari Project in Haryana, citing concerns over its environmental impact on one of India’s most ecologically sensitive regions that serves as the green lung of Delhi-NCR.
- Aravalli Jungle Safari Project: Announced in 2022, the project aims to build the world’s largest jungle safari near Gurugram and Nuh.
- Inspired by Sharjah Safari (UAE) and Gir Sanctuary (Gujarat), it includes zones for big cats, bird parks, herpetarium, underwater world, and eco-tourism trails.
- Aravalli Range: It is considered one of the oldest mountain systems in the world. It spans over 800km from Gujarat to Delhi (through Rajasthan and Haryana). The highest peak in the Aravalli Range is Guru Peak (Guru Shikhar) on Mount Abu (also known as Arbuda).
- The range gives rise to rivers like the Banas, Sahibi (tributaries of the Yamuna), and Luni (flowing into the Rann of Kutch).
- The Aravalli Range is divided into two sections: the Sambhar-Sirohi range, which includes Guru Peak, and the Sambhar-Khetri range.
- Rich in minerals and natural resources, the range acts as a barrier against the western desert.
- It is densely forested in the south, and much of the range is rocky, sparsely populated, and covered with quartzite and sand.

India Mobile Congress
11-10-2025
Source:PIB
The 9th edition of India Mobile Congress (IMC 2025), Asia’s largest telecom, media, and technology event, was inaugurated by the Prime Minister in New Delhi.
India Mobile Congress
- About: It is a major annual event highlighting the latest advancements and innovations in the mobile and digital technology sector.
- It provides a platform for industry leaders, policymakers, and technology enthusiasts, to discuss the future of the digital landscape.
- Organised By: It was organised jointly by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) and the Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI).
- Theme: Its theme is “Innovate to Transform,” highlighting India’s commitment to leveraging innovation for digital transformation and societal progress.
- Related Recent Developments: The Bharat 6G Alliance signed MoUs with NASSCOM and the European Space Agency to advance joint technology development and released four whitepapers on spectrum, next-gen telecom power, AI-driven network evolution, and 6G architecture and security.
- India’s 6G ambitions are projected to add USD 1.2 trillion to GDP by 2035, with a goal of capturing 10% of global 6G patents. The country’s satellite communications market is also expected to triple by 2033.
Project Waterworth
11-10-2025
Source: ET
Meta Platforms has chosen Mumbai and Visakhapatnam as the landing sites for the India leg of its multibillion-dollar undersea cable project Waterworth.
- Project Waterworth: It is a subsea cable initiative by Meta Platforms aimed at strengthening global data connectivity.
- It connects the US, India, Brazil, and South Africa, making it the world’s longest subsea cable, spanning over 50,000 km.
- Route Design: Project Waterworth features a W-shaped route that bypasses the Red Sea corridor, reducing risks from geopolitical conflicts and cable damages.
- Timeline & Capacity: Expected to be operational by 2030, with a design capacity of 1 petabit per second (Pbps).
- Strategic Significance: The chosen landing sites in India enhance the country’s role in global AI infrastructure, support data localisation, and strengthen India’s digital ecosystem.

Eklavya Model Residential Schools
11-07-2025
Source: TH
Several students from Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS) have cracked medical & engineering entrance exams.
Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS)
- About: EMRS is a flagship initiative launched by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs (MoTA) in 1998 to provide free, quality residential education to Scheduled Tribe (ST) students from Class VI to XII in remote and tribal-dominated areas.
- Objective: To bridge the educational gap between tribal and non-tribal populations by offering CBSE-based instruction integrated with holistic development, including sports, culture, and skill training.
- Revamp & Expansion: The scheme was revamped in 2018–19 to expand coverage. EMRSs are now to be established in blocks with more that 50% ST population and with at least 20,000 tribal persons with a target of 728 schools by 2026.
- Governance: EMRSs are implemented and managed by the National Education Society for Tribal Students (NESTS), an autonomous body under MoTA.
- Key Features:
- Co-educational, fully residential schools modeled on Navodaya Vidyalayas with a tribal focus.
- Follow the CBSE curriculum and provide free education along with all basic amenities.
- Infrastructure includes classrooms, labs, hostels, staff quarters, playgrounds, and cultural activity spaces.
- Each school has a capacity of 480 students with gender parity.
- Up to 10% seats may be allotted to non-ST students.
- 20% reservation under sports quota for meritorious ST students in athletics and games.
Other Initiatives for Tribal Education
Advancements in Magnetic Field Measurements
11-07-2025
Source: PIB
Scientists at the Raman Research Institute (RRI) have developed a technique called Raman-Driven Spin Noise Spectroscopy (RDSNS) which can be incorporated into an all-optical quantum magnetometer to improve magnetic field measurements.
RDSNS (Raman-Driven Spin Noise Spectroscopy):
- About: RDSNS is an advanced all-optical technique for measuring magnetic fields using laser light and Rubidium atoms.
- Atoms naturally exhibit tiny, random spin movements, known as spin noise.
- When exposed to a magnetic field, the pattern of this noise changes.
- By detecting these changes with laser light, researchers can measure the magnetic field without disturbing the atoms.
- Key Advantages:
- It enables shield-free, compact/portable, and field-deployable magnetic sensing with a wide dynamic range and high sensitivity.
- It remains effective even in outdoor or noisy environments and is resistant to electrical and mechanical interference.
- Applications: RDSNS is useful in medical imaging (MRI alternative), geological surveys (mineral detection), space exploration (planetary magnetic fields), and quantum research (atomic and spin studies).
Magnetometer:
- About: A magnetometer is a device used to measure the strength and direction of magnetic fields, commonly applied in medical imaging, navigation, and earth/space studies.
- In ocean exploration, it helps detect shipwrecks, aircraft debris, and geological features on the seafloor.
- Working: The Earth’s magnetic field is generated by molten iron and nickel in its outer core and varies by location.
- Magnetometers detect this variation by recording magnetic readings (typically at 1 Hz). When encountering ferrous objects (like anchors, wreckage, or basalt), the device senses magnetic anomalies, sudden, unexpected changes in the field.
- Modern Magnetometers: Modern magnetometers such as Optically Pumped Atomic Magnetometers (OPAMs) and Spin-Exchange Relaxation-Free (SERF) use laser light and alkali atoms (e.g., Rubidium) to detect magnetic fields with high sensitivity.
- However, they require costly magnetic shielding, function only in noise-free lab settings, and have a limited detection range.
Sariska Tiger Reserve
11-07-2025
Source: IE
The Standing Committee of the National Board for Wildlife (SC-NBWL), chaired by the Union Environment Minister, has approved the proposal to redraw the boundaries of the Sariska Tiger Reserve’s (STR) Critical Tiger Habitat (CTH), with the Supreme Court's final nod awaited.
- The Supreme Court is suo motu examining several issues related to the STR, including the rationalisation of its boundaries. Its Central Empowered Committee (CEC) has recommended changes to address human disturbances such as village relocations and cattle grazing.
- Proposed Changes: The rationalisation will result in the CTH expanding from 881.11 sq km to 924.49 sq km, while the buffer zone will reduce from 245.72 sq km to 203.2 sq km, balancing conservation needs with developmental pressures.
- Ecological and Legal Context: CTH is protected under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 and must be kept free of human interference.
- The re-demarcation may benefit over 50 mining operations shut down due to proximity to tiger habitat.
- Sariska Tiger Reserve: The Sariska Tiger Reserve, located in Rajasthan’s Alwar district within the Aravalli hills, was declared a wildlife sanctuary in 1955 and became a tiger reserve in 1978 under Project Tiger.
- Known for its rich history, it houses the Kankarwadi Fort, where Aurangzeb imprisoned Dara Shikoh, and the Pandupole Hanuman temple linked to the Pandavas.
- The landscape is marked by rocky terrain, grasslands, scrub-thorn forests, and semi-deciduous woodlands. Vegetation includes dhok, salar, kadaya, ber, gugal, and bamboo.
- The reserve supports diverse fauna including Royal Bengal tigers, leopards, sambhar, nilgai, wild boars, and hyenas.
- Sariska Tiger Reserve also surrounds the sites like Jai Samand Lake and the Siliserh Lake.

Aadi KARMAYOGI and TALASH
11-07-2025
Source: PIB
Why in News?
The Ministry of Tribal Affairs has launched the first Regional Process Lab (RPL) under the Aadi KARMAYOGI, which focuses on strengthening local governance.
- Simultaneously, the National Education Society for Tribal Students (NESTS), an autonomous organization under the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, launched the TALASH (Tribal Aptitude, Life Skills and Self-Esteem Hub) programme to support the growth of tribal students.
What is Aadi KARMAYOGI?
- About: Aadi KARMAYOGI is a National Mission for Responsive Governance, designed to build a cadre of 20 lakh tribal grassroots functionaries and village-level change leaders, who will drive inclusive development and strengthen last-mile service delivery in tribal areas.
- Objectives:
- Build Local Leadership: Develop State Master Trainers (SMTs), District Master Trainers (DMTs), and Block-level trainers.
- Strengthen Last-Mile Delivery: Enhance service delivery and implementation of tribal welfare schemes in remote areas.
- Promote Community-Centric Governance: Empower tribal communities with dignity, empathy, and purpose.
- Implementation: SMTs from five southern states Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana are being trained at the RPL in Bengaluru.
- These trainers will go on to lead State Process Labs (SPLs), which will then train DMTs. The programme also involves civil society organisations to encourage participatory learning and ensure the training fits local contexts, supporting ongoing learning and leadership.
- The Aadi Karmayogi Mission supports responsive governance through local-level planning, quick grievance redressal, and joint implementation. It brings together departments like Tribal Affairs, Rural Development, Women and Child Development, Jal Shakti, Education, and Forests.
What is TALASH?
- About: Launched by the NESTS in collaboration with United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) India, TALASH is an innovative platform designed to support the holistic development of over 1.38 lakh students across Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRSs) in India.
- The TALASH platform prepares tribal students to navigate the challenges of a competitive world by equipping them with essential life skills and career clarity. It also aligns with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, emphasizing inclusive, equitable education for all.
- TALASH is rolling out in phases. So far, 189 teachers from 75 EMRSs are trained. By the end of 2025, it will cover all EMRSs.
- Key Features of TALASH:
- Psychometric Assessments: Based on the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) ‘Tamanna’ framework, students take an aptitude test and receive a personalized career card.
- Career Counselling: Helps students align their aspirations with their strengths and interests.
- Life Skills and Self-Esteem Modules: Offers interactive lessons to build confidence and emotional intelligence.
- E-Learning for Teachers: Empowers teachers with digital tools and training to guide and mentor students effectively.
Note: Tamanna (Try And Measure Aptitude And Natural Abilities) is an aptitude test developed by NCERT and Central Board of Secondary Education under the Ministry of Education. It helps students of Classes IX and X understand their strengths across various dimensions.
- The test is voluntary, has no pass or fail, and is meant to guide rather than impose subject choices.
UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Question (PYQ)
Prelims
Q. Consider the following statements about Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) in India: (2019)
- PVTGs reside in 18 States and one Union Territory.
- A stagnant or declining population is one of the criteria for determining PVTG status.
- There are 95 PVTGs officially notified in the country so far.
- Irular and Konda Reddi tribes are included in the list of PVTGs.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
(a) 1, 2 and 3
(b) 2, 3 and 4
(c) 1, 2 and 4
(d) 1, 3 and 4
Ans: C
Indigenous MALE Drones
11-07-2025
Source: TH
India is accelerating the procurement of 87 indigenously developed Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) drones, featuring at least 60% indigenous content, to reduce dependence on foreign suppliers and strengthen surveillance along its sea and land borders.
- This is the first instance of Indian private manufacturers being tasked to supply MALE drones under the Make in India initiative replacing earlier imports from Israel.
- These drones will offer over 30 hours of flight endurance at altitudes of up to 35,000 feet, providing ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance & Reconnaissance) support in varied terrains.
India’s Indigenous Drones
|
Drone Name
|
Key Features
|
|
Lakshya
|
Target drone for reconnaissance and target acquisition; rocket-launched, turbojet-powered.
|
|
Nishant
|
Multi-mission UAV; day/night capable; used for surveillance, target tracking, and artillery fire correction.
|
|
RUSTOM-1
|
Short Range Remotely Piloted Aircraft System (SR-RPAS, 800 kg class); performs ISR, target acquisition, and image exploitation.
|
|
TAPAS/Rustom-2
|
MALE UAV developed for Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition and Reconnaissance (ISTAR) roles.
|
|
Archer
|
Weaponized short-range UAV; for reconnaissance, surveillance, and low-intensity conflict.
|
Note: All the above mentioned drones have been developed by Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).

Benin
10-12-2025
Source: TH
Benin witnessed a failed military coup attempt by a group of soldiers (Military Committee for Refoundation (CMR)) who briefly claimed to remove President Patrice Talon from office.
- The coup attempt comes amid a wave of military takeovers in West Africa, including Niger, Burkina Faso, Mali, Guinea, and Guinea-Bissau, heightening regional instability
- Benin and its Borders: Benin is situated in West Africa, it shares borders with Togo (west), Nigeria (east), Burkina Faso (northwest), and Niger (north).
- Benin has a coastline along the Bight of Benin, part of the Gulf of Guinea in the Atlantic Ocean.
- Rivers: The Niger River forms part of Benin’s northern boundary.
- Mountains: Benin is dominated by the Atakora Mountains in the northwest, a continuation of the Togo Mountains.
- Political Structure: Benin is a Presidential Republic with a multi-party democratic system.

Nahargarh Biological Park
10-12-2025
Source: IE
A bus caught fire during a lion safari at Nahargarh Biological Park (part of Nahargarh Wildlife Sanctuary) in Jaipur, Rajasthan, raising serious concerns over safety standards, vehicle maintenance, and environmental protection in ecotourism zones.
Nahargarh Biological Park
- Nahargarh Biological Park: Located roughly 12 km from Jaipur, it lies within the Nahargarh Wildlife Sanctuary (WLS) and is nestled in the Aravalli range.
- It hosts over 285 species of birds. Its most notable avian species is the white-naped tit, found exclusively in this region.
- Ram Sagar lake serves as a prominent location for ornithologists and bird enthusiasts.
Nahargarh Wildlife Sanctuary (WLS)
- Nahargarh WLS: It is located in the Aravalli range and is named after the 18th-century Nahargarh Fort built by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II.
- Nahargarh Biological Park, located within the Nahargarh WLS, is known for its lion safaris.
- Flora & Fauna:

Aravalli Range
- About: It is among the oldest mountain systems in the world, stretching over 800 km from Gujarat to Delhi through Rajasthan and Haryana.
- Its highest peak is Guru Shikhar on Mount Abu, and it gives rise to rivers like the Banas, Sahibi, and Luni.
- Significance: It is resource-rich and forms a natural barrier to the western desert.
DHRUVA Framework
10-12-2025
Source:TH
Why in News?
The Department of Posts has prepared a draft of proposed amendments to the Post Office Act, 2023 to provide the necessary legislative backing for the Digital Hub for Reference and Unique Virtual Address (DHRUVA) framework.
- The amendments aim to support DHRUVA’s ecosystem reforms and enable its nationwide rollout.
What is the DHRUVA Framework?
- DHRUVA: It is proposed as a Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI), similar to Aadhaar and Unified Payments Interface (UPI).
- It will allow logistics companies, e-commerce firms, and gig platforms to receive a user’s digital address “label” instead of a full physical address.
- Once the user authorises this label, the platform can access both the descriptive address and the geo-coded DIGIPIN (Digital Postal Index Number).
- DIGPIN is an open-source, in-house location pin system developed by India Post, assigning a unique code to every 12 sq. metre block in the country.
- DIGIPIN uses a 10-digit alphanumeric code derived from latitude–longitude coordinates. It divides India into a grid using 16 unique characters (2 to 9, C, J, K, L, M, P, F, T), enabling a hierarchical and precise location encoding system.
- It is especially useful in rural areas where clear descriptive addresses may be unavailable, providing delivery personnel with precise geo-location as a fallback alongside the traditional PIN code.
- DHRUVA’s Ecosystem: DHRUVA proposes the creation of specialised institutions:
- Address Service Providers (ASPs): Generate the digital address labels.
- Address Validation Agencies (AVAs): Verify and authenticate addresses.
- Address Information Agents (AIAs): Allow users to manage consent and address-sharing settings.
- A Central Governance Entity: Similar to National Payments Corporation of India, to regulate standards and operations.
- Significance of DHRUVA:
- Enhances User Control and Privacy: Introduces consent-based address sharing, allowing users to decide who can access their address and for what duration.
- This reduces repeated disclosure of personal address information while ensuring secure and controlled data sharing.
- Boosts Efficiency for Digital and Delivery Platforms: A single, verified digital address token streamlines operations for platforms like Amazon, Uber, and India Post.
- It reduces delivery failures, returns, and misrouting, improving overall efficiency and reducing operational costs.
- Seamless Address Updates: When users relocate, DHRUVA allows address updates to be reflected across multiple platforms automatically.
- This ensures continuity in deliveries, communication, and service access without repeated manual updates.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q. What is DHRUVA?
DHRUVA (Digital Hub for Reference and Unique Virtual Address) is a proposed Digital Public Infrastructure that issues tokenised digital address labels linked to a user’s descriptive address and geo-coded DIGIPIN for standardised, consent-based address sharing.
Q. What is DIGIPIN and how does it work?
DIGIPIN is a 10-digit alphanumeric, open-source geocode developed by India Post that assigns a unique code to every 12 sq. metre block using a 16-character grid derived from latitude–longitude coordinates.
Q. How does DHRUVA protect user privacy?
DHRUVA proposes consent-based address sharing and tokenisation, enabling users to control who accesses their descriptive address and DIGIPIN and for what duration, thereby reducing repeated disclosure of personal address information.
Summary
- The Department of Posts has proposed DHRUVA, a Digital Public Infrastructure to standardise addresses through digital “labels” backed by amendments to the Post Office Act, 2023.
- DHRUVA links a user-authorised digital label with the descriptive address and the geo-coded DIGIPIN, a 10-digit alphanumeric code mapped to every 12 sq. metre block.
- The ecosystem will include Address Service Providers, Validation Agencies, Information Agents and a central governance body similar to NPCI.
- The framework enhances privacy, improves last-mile delivery, and enables seamless address updates across platforms while reducing operational inefficiencies.
UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Questions (PYQs)
Prelims
Q. Consider the following statements: (2018)
- Aadhaar card can be used as a proof of citizenship or domicile.
- Once issued, Aadhaar number cannot be deactivated or omitted by the Issuing Authority.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Ans: (d)
Human Rights Day
10-12-2025
Source: PIB
Human Rights Day is observed every year on 10th December to commemorate the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) in 1948, reaffirming the global commitment to dignity, equality and freedom.
- Human Rights Day: The day was formally established in 1950 through UNGA Resolution, inviting all countries to celebrate it annually
- The 2025 theme is “Everyday Essentials”, focusing on access to basic services as a human right.
- India and Human Rights: In India, human rights protection is guided by the Constitution of India and the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993, under which the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) was established in 1993.
- The Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993 defines “Human Rights” as the rights relating to life, liberty, equality and dignity of the individual guaranteed by the Constitution or embodied in the International Covenants and enforceable by courts in India.
- NHRC: It is an independent statutory body, it acts as the guardian of human rights in India. It was set up in line with the Paris Principles (1991).
- Since inception, NHRC has registered over 23.8 lakh human rights complaints and has recommended over Rs 264 crore as relief.
- NHRC uses suo motu cognizance, investigations, camp sittings and policy advisories for protection of rights.

Bihar’s Gogabil Lake is India’s 94th Ramsar Site
10-11-2025
Source: TOI
Bihar now has six Ramsar sites, placing it third after Tamil Nadu and Uttar Pradesh. India has the highest number of Ramsar sites in Asia and ranks third globally after the UK (176) and Mexico (144), under the Ramsar Convention, 1971.
- Gogabil Lake: Gogabil Lake is an ox-bow wetland located in the Trans-Gangetic Plains of Katihar, Bihar. It is flanked by the Mahananda River to the northeast and the Ganga River to the south.
- Gogabil Lake is Bihar’s first Community Reserve. It is the 15th Protected Area (PA) in Bihar.
- It is used for irrigation water abstraction, extensive fishing, navigation, cattle wading, and recreation, supporting local livelihoods.
- Ecological Importance: Gogabil is a permanent waterbody that shrinks in summer but never dries, and it is an important wintering site along the Central Asian Flyway.
- Flora and Fauna: It hosts large congregations of waterbirds and shoreline birds. It supports bird species such as Red-crested Pochard, Common Pochard, Bar-headed Goose, Greylag Goose, Northern Pintail, and Ruddy Shelduck.
- Endangered and rare species recorded here include the Black-bellied Tern, Lesser Adjutant Stork, River Tern, Painted Stork, Ferruginous Duck, Darter, and Black-headed Ibis.
- Due to its high avian diversity and ecological richness, Gogabil is recognised as an Important Bird Area.
- Threats: Major threats include heavy use of fertilizers and pesticides in the catchment that flow into the wetland, along with exploitation of biological resources.

Malabar Exercise 2025
10-11-2025
Source: ET
The annual Malabar exercise, involving India, the US, Australia, and Japan (Quad countries) has commenced in the Northern Pacific near Guam.
- Guam, a US territory in the Pacific, holds strategic relevance due to its proximity to East Asia and contested waters like the South China Sea.
- INS Sahyadri, an indigenously designed, stealth guided-missile frigate, represents India in this year's MALABAR exercise.
Malabar Exercise
- About: It started as an annual bilateral naval drill between India and the US in 1992. Japan joined in 2015, and Australia participated in Malabar 2020, making it a four-nation exercise under the Quad framework.
- It highlights the convergence of views among the participating countries on maritime issues and their shared commitment to an open, inclusive Indo-Pacific and a rules-based international order.
- Objectives: To improve interoperability, coordination, and communication, focusing on joint fleet operations, anti-submarine warfare, gunnery drills, and airborne maritime missions.
- Strategic Significance: It strengthens Quad military interoperability, coordinated maritime operations, and freedom of navigation.
- Quad: It is a strategic forum of the US, Japan, India, and Australia focused on regional security and economic cooperation in the Indo-Pacific.
- India’s participation in Quad strengthens its strategic maritime MAHASAGAR (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions) vision.

Expansion of National Agriculture Market (e-NAM)
10-10-2025
Source: PIB
Why in News?
The Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare has expanded the National Agriculture Market (e-NAM) by including 9 additional commodities, increasing the total tradable agricultural products on the platform to 247 from 238.
What is the National Agriculture Market (e-NAM)?
- About: e-NAM is a pan-India electronic trading portal launched in April 2016, fully funded by the Central Government and implemented by Small Farmers Agribusiness Consortium (SFAC).
- Its beneficiaries are farmers, mandis, traders, buyers, processors and exporters
- Key Objectives:
- Create a Unified Market: Integrate state-level markets for pan-India agricultural trade.
- Ensure Transparency: Enable better price discovery via transparent auctions and wider buyer access.
- Improve Efficiency: Streamline and standardize marketing procedures across markets.
- Assure Quality: Implement quality assaying so prices reflect produce quality.
- Benefit Consumers: Support stable prices and availability of quality produce.
- Features: Pan-India Network, Quality assurance & assaying, Streamlined licensing & market fees, Direct online payments, Improved market access & information, and Logistics & Integration.
- Monitoring: It follows a coordinated approach with SFAC at the national level and respective state departments with supporting agencies at the state level.
- Pre-requisites for e-NAM: States must implement three reforms in their APMC Act to integrate mandis with e-NAM:
- Permit e-auction/electronic trading.
- Issue a single trading license valid across the State/UT.
- Apply a single-point levy of market fee.
- Tradable Parameters for Goods: The Directorate of Marketing and Inspection (DMI) is tasked with setting tradable parameters for commodities on e-NAM, which establish standardized grades or ranges, link prices to quality, and help farmers secure better value for their produce.
- eNAM Achievements: A total of 1,389 Mandis from 23 States and 4 UTs have been integrated into the e-NAM platform, with over 1.77 crore farmers and 2.53 lakh traders registered as of February 2024.
- Significance: Enhanced price realization for farmers, Reduction in post-harvest losses, Formalization of agricultural trade, Stable prices and supply for consumers.
Other Digital Marketing Initiatives in Agriculture
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the National Agriculture Market (e-NAM)?
e-NAM is a pan-India electronic trading platform launched in 2016 to integrate mandis, enable transparent auctions, and improve price discovery for farmers.
2. How many commodities are tradable on e-NAM after the latest expansion?
247 agricultural commodities are now tradable on e-NAM after the inclusion of 9 new commodities.
3. Which other digital initiatives complement e-NAM in India?
Initiatives include Krishi UDAN 2.0, FPO formation and promotion, ITC e-Choupal, Agri-Stack, and Agri Market Infrastructure Fund (AMIF).
UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Question (PYQ)
Prelims
Q. In India, which of the following can be considered as public investment in agriculture? (2020)
- Fixing Minimum Support Price for agricultural produce of all crops
- Computerization of Primary Agricultural Credit Societies
- Social Capital development
- Free electricity supply to farmers
- Waiver of agricultural loans by the banking system
- Setting up of cold storage facilities by the governments
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) 1, 2 and 5 only
(b) 1, 3, 4 and 5 only
(c) 2, 3 and 6 only
(d) 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6
Ans: (c)
Q. In the context of India’s preparation for Climate -Smart Agriculture, consider the following statements: (2021)
- The ‘Climate-Smart Village’ approach in India is a part of a project led by the Climate Change, Agriculture and Food Security (CCAFS), an international research programme.
- The project of CCAFS is carried out under Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR) headquartered in France.
- The International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) in India is one of the CGIAR’s research centres.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Ans: (d)
Breathable Art
10-10-2025
Source: PIB
Delhi inaugurates ‘Breathable Art’ to raise awareness on air quality and sustainable living.
- The initiative is part of the ‘Breath of Change – Clean Air, Blue Skies’ campaign held under the Environmental Information, Awareness, Capacity Building and Livelihood Programme (EIACP) of the Environment Education, Awareness, Research and Skill Development (EEARSD) Scheme.
- Breathable Art: It is an innovative, living structure created using air-purifying plants like Areca palm, snake plant, and peace lily and sustainable materials to raise awareness on air pollution and promote sustainable urban living.
- Serving as an educational hub for students, eco-clubs, and residents, it uses QR-code content to explain plants’ air-cleaning roles, how they enhance urban green spaces, and provide a nature-based solution for improving air quality.
- EEARSD Scheme: It is a central Sector Scheme by the Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change to promote non-formal environmental education, fostering scientific temper, critical thinking, creativity, and empathy through Eco-clubs, Youth Clubs, and similar groups for hands-on sustainable learning.
International Conference on Space 2025
10-09-2025
Source:PIB
India inaugurated the International Conference on Space 2025, highlighting the country’s ambitious space goals, its evolving space strategy, and its future role in global space exploration.
- Theme: Harnessing Space for Global Progress: Innovation, Policy, and Growth.
India’s Major Space Ambitions
- To establish a Bharatiya Space Station by 2035 and send an Indian astronaut to the Moon by 2040.
- Future exploration missions to Mars, Venus, and asteroids are part of the roadmap.
- The Gaganyaan human spaceflight programmme is being developed as a priority.
- India's international collaborations include the NASA-ISRO NISAR mission with the United States and the upcoming Chandrayaan-5 mission with Japan, showcasing space as a platform for global engagement.
Recent Achievements in India’s Space Journey
- Success of Chandrayaan-3 , making India the first country to land near the lunar south pole
- Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla became the first Indian Air Force officer to travel to the International Space Station.

CP Radhakrishnan Elected as Vice President
10-09-2025
Source: ToI
Why in News?
CP Radhakrishnan has been elected as India's 15th Vice President, defeating former Supreme Court Judge B Sudershan Reddy in the election following the resignation of Jagdeep Dhankhar.
In the election Radhakrishnan secured 452 votes, while Reddy garnered 300 votes with a high voting turnout of 98.2%.
CP Radhakrishnan
- He served as the Governor of Jharkhand, Telangana, Puducherry, and Maharashtra. An agriculturist and industrialist by profession, he is the third leader from Tamil Nadu to hold the position of Vice President.
- He was also a two-term member of the Lok Sabha from Coimbatore.
What are Key Facts About the Vice President (VP) of India?
- About: VP is the second-highest constitutional authority in India, following the President (Article 63).
- Election & Eligibility: Elected by MPs from both Houses of Parliament via proportional representation. The VP must be at least 35 years old, an Indian citizen, and qualified for Rajya Sabha membership.
- Term & Vacancy: Serves a five-year term, with the possibility of continuing until a successor is elected.
- Primary Role: As the ex-officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha.
- In the President’s absence or vacancy, they act as President (Article 65).
- Removal: Can be removed by a resolution in the Rajya Sabha and approval from the Lok Sabha, with a 14-day notice (Article 67).
Some Unique Facts About Office of Vice President of India
- Only Dr. S. Radhakrishnan (1st & 2nd VP, elected unopposed both times) and Mohammad Hamid Ansari (13th & 14th VP, 2007–2017) have served two consecutive terms.
- Apart from S. Radhakrishnan, M. Hidayatullah (7th VP) and Dr. Shankar Dayal Sharma (9th VP) were also elected unopposed.
- Krishan Kant (10th VP, 1997–2002) was the first and only Vice President to die while in office.
- Justice Mohammad Hidayatullah is the only person in Indian history to have served as Chief Justice of India, Acting President, and Vice President.

Vera C. Rubin Observatory
10-07-2025
Source: IE
The Vera C. Rubin Observatory, an astronomical facility in Chile (8,684 feet above sea level atop Cerro Pachón mountain), released its first test images, utilizing the Simonyi Survey Telescope as its primary instrument.
Vera C. Rubin Observatory
- About: It is an astronomical observatory built to conduct the most comprehensive survey of the southern hemisphere’s night sky through continuous scanning.
- It is named in honor of American astronomer Vera C. Rubin, who was the first to provide evidence for the existence of dark matter in the 1970s.
- Uniqueness: Its Simonyi Survey Telescope features a wide field of view, capable of capturing an area equivalent to 40 full Moons in a single shot—vastly surpassing the Hubble SpaceTelescope (1%) and James Webb Space Telescope (75%) in coverage.
- It houses the world’s largest digital camera with 3,200 megapixels, enabling it to detect objects 100 million times dimmer than those visible to the naked eye.
- Additionally, it is the fastest-slewing telescope, able to adjust its position in just five seconds.
- Purpose: It will help explore the nature of dark energy (68%) and dark matter (27%), which together make up 95% of the universe, while visible matter forms just 5%.
- It is aimed at addressing key astronomical questions, including the formation of the Milky Way, existence of the 9th planet in our solar System and threat of an asteroid to Earth.
Olive Ridley Turtles
10-01-2026
Source: TH
The ongoing olive ridley turtle (ORTs) nesting season is facing significant threats from human activities, highlighted by the recent discovery of carcasses linked to fishing nets and concerns over disruptive artificial lighting.
- About: Olive ridley turtles are the world's smallest sea turtle and have a heart-shaped, olive or grayish-green carapace.
- Diet and Behavior: ORTs are omnivorous, feeding on jellyfish, snails, crabs, and algae. They undertake long-distance migrations from the Pacific to the Indian Ocean, reaching Indian coasts between November and December and remaining until April–May.
- The species is known for its synchronised mass nesting (arribada) on narrow sandy beaches near estuaries and bays, where each female lays about 100–140 eggs at a time.
- Key Indian sites are Gahirmatha (largest mass nesting), Rushikulya, and the Devi River mouth in Odisha, Visakhapatnam & Kakinada (Andhra Pradesh) and Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
- Legal Protections: All the 5 species of sea turtles occurring in India, including the ORTs, are legally protected under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 and Appendix I of the CITES Convention. ORTs are listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List.
- Conservation Measures: Operation Olivia by the Indian Coast Guard enforces fishing bans. Turtle Excluder Devices (TEDs) are mandated in Odisha. Tagging programs help track migration.
- A two-year telemetry study (2025–2027) will use satellite and flipper tags on Olive Ridley turtles in Tamil Nadu to monitor their behaviour, nesting, and interactions with fisheries.
- Major Threats: Despite an international trade ban, olive ridley turtles face severe threats from illegal poaching and egg trade, with the most significant mortality caused by accidental bycatch in trawl and gill nets during the nesting season.


Winter Migratory Birds in Assam
10-01-2026
Source: TH
Each winter, Assam’s wetlands, riverbeds, floodplains, and natural & artificial reservoirs, become vital seasonal habitats for a diverse array of migratory birds arriving via the Central Asian Flyway to escape the harsh cold of Siberia, Tibet, and Europe.
- Central Asian Flyway: Assam lies along the Central Asian Flyway, a major migratory route connecting Arctic and temperate regions with South Asia, making the State an important wintering and stopover ground for long-distance migratory birds.
- Notable Migratory Species: Citrine Wagtail is the first avian visitor to arrive in Assam's wetlands, floodplains, and marshes.
- Bar-headed geese, White-fronted geese, Greylag geese.
- Northern pintails, Common pochards, Ferruginous pochards.
- Pied avocets, Falcated ducks, Great crested grebes.
- Glossy ibis, Eurasian wigeons, Purple herons.
- Important Wetlands & Birding Sites: Major migratory bird habitats include Deepor Beel (Ramsar Site), Maguri Motapung Beel, Pani Dihing Beel, Son Beel (largest wetland in Assam), Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve (wetland lakes) and Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary.
- National/International Conservation Framework: As a party to the Convention on Migratory Species (CMS), India has launched the National Action Plan for Conservation of Migratory Species along the Central Asian Flyway, aimed at protecting critical habitats and migratory corridors.


FDI Trends in India
10-01-2026
Source: BL
According to the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), India witnessed a strong rise in foreign direct investment (FDI) during the first half (H1) of FY26 (April-September 2025), driven primarily by a doubling of inflows into the IT sector.
- FDI Inflows: FDI inflows rose to USD 35.2 billion in H1 FY26, marking an 18% increase over USD 29.8 billion in H1 FY25. From April 2000–September 2025, cumulative FDI inflows reached USD 1.12 trillion.
- Top Investing Nations: Singapore led with USD 12 billion in FDI, accounting for 34% of the total, followed by the US (USD 6.6 billion) and Mauritius (USD 3.5 billion).
- State-wise Inflows: Maharashtra remained the top FDI recipient with about 30% share. Karnataka (USD 9.4 bn) and Tamil Nadu (USD 3.6 bn) were the 2nd and 3rd largest recipients, while Gujarat’s share fell to 6.4%.
- Leading Sectors: The services sector and computer software & hardware each account for 16% of cumulative equity inflows, with significant contributions from trading (6%), telecommunications (5%), and automobiles (5%).
- Policy Enablers: Reforms such as raising the FDI cap in insurance to 100%, implementation of GST, and development of Special Economic Zones (SEZs) have bolstered India’s investment ecosystem.
Childhood Hypertension
10-01-2026
Source: TH
Recently, health experts highlighted that the prevalence of elevated blood pressure among children and adolescents has nearly doubled globally between 2000 and 2020, signalling a growing paediatric public health concern.
- About: Childhood Hypertension refers to persistently elevated blood pressure in children and adolescents, diagnosed using age, sex and height-specific percentile charts rather than adult cut-offs.
- Paediatric vs Adult Hypertension: Unlike adults, where hypertension is largely primary in nature, elevated blood pressure in children is often secondary, commonly associated with disorders of the kidneys, adrenal glands, and blood vessels.
- Causes and Risk Factors: Rapid urbanisation has altered childhood lifestyles, leading to increased consumption of processed and high-salt foods, reduced physical activity, prolonged screen time, and higher exposure to environmental stressors such as noise, air pollution, and academic pressure.
- Rising childhood obesity, particularly rapid weight gain and central adiposity, remains the most significant modifiable risk factor for paediatric hypertension.
- Clinical Features: The condition is largely asymptomatic in early stages, often remaining undetected without routine screening.
- Health Impacts: Persistently elevated blood pressure from childhood increases lifetime risk of coronary heart disease, stroke, type-2 diabetes, and chronic kidney disease, with early-onset vascular damage and irreversible arterial stiffening.
- Prevention and Management: Prevention must begin early and focus on lifestyle modification, including reduced salt and sugar intake, avoidance of ultra-processed foods, regular physical activity, adequate sleep, and stress management.

India International Science Festival (IISF), 2025
09-12-2025
Source: PIB
The 11th edition of the India International Science Festival (IISF) 2025 commenced in Panchkula, Haryana.
- Theme of 2025 IISF: “Vigyan Se Samruddhi: for Aatmanirbhar Bharat”
- Organised By: Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES), in coordination with Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM), Pune.
IISF
- About: Launched in 2015, it has grown into one of India’s leading platforms for scientific collaboration, innovation, outreach, and public engagement.
- Over the years, it has steadily expanded in scale and influence through diverse programmes, broader participation, and several landmark initiatives in each edition.
- Aim: To highlight India’s growing position as a global science and technology leader, strengthen India’s science culture, expand public engagement, and support national goals in research, innovation and talent development.

Crypto Transactions Surge in India
09-12-2025
Source: TH
Cryptocurrency transactions in India crossed Rs 51,180 crore in 2024–25, marking a 41% rise from the previous year. This is based on Rs 511 crore collected as 1% Tax Deducted at Source (TDS), as reported by the Finance Ministry in the Rajya Sabha.
- The Finance Act, 2022 introduced a 1% TDS on all transfers of Virtual Digital Assets (VDAs) under the Income Tax Act, 1961, and this provision has been retained in the Income Tax Act, 2025.
- Cryptocurrency: It is a type of digital currency that enables direct, peer-to-peer online payments without the need for a central authority.
- It functions as a digital medium of exchange built on a public digital ledger known as blockchain, where transactions are verified using cryptographic techniques.
- The first decentralised cryptocurrency was Bitcoin, introduced in 2009.
- Cryptocurrency Trading:
- Mining: New coins are generated when miners solve complex mathematical problems and add blocks to the blockchain.
- Buying & storing: Purchased via exchanges and stored in hot (online) or cold (offline) wallets.
- Payments: Enables fast, low-cost cross-border transactions.
- Investing: Highly volatile asset class with derivatives like futures and options.
- Conversion: Easily converted to fiat currency, but subject to taxation.
In-vitro Fertilization (IVF) Technology
09-12-2025
Source: TH
Why in News?
A Indian Council of Medical Research–National Institute for Research in Reproductive and Child Health (ICMR-NIRRCH) report shows that infertile couples in India face a heavy financial burden, with a single In-vitro Fertilization (IVF) cycle costing over Rs 1 lakh even in public hospitals.
What is In-vitro Fertilization (IVF)?
- About: In-Vitro Fertilization (IVF) is one of the most widely used Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART) for treating infertility.
- In IVF, a woman’s eggs are fertilized by sperm outside the body in a laboratory, and the resulting embryo is then transferred into the uterus to achieve pregnancy.
- IVF is commonly used when natural conception is not possible due to blocked fallopian tubes, low sperm count, ovulation disorders, endometriosis, age-related infertility, or unexplained infertility.
- Importance of IVF: Rising infertility in India due to stress, lifestyle changes, late marriage, Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), and obesity has increased the demand for IVF, which helps in repeated miscarriages and fertility preservation for cancer patients.
- With one in six couples affected and fertility rates falling, experts stress the need to make fertility care accessible to protect India’s demographic balance.
- Cost of IVF: According to the ICMR-NIRRCH, a single IVF cycle costs over Rs 1 lakh in both public and private hospitals.
- The public health system spends Rs 6,822 to Rs 11,075 per patient annually, and globally, one ART cycle costs 166% of an average Indian’s yearly income.
- Regulation in India: India’s ART services are regulated under the Assisted Reproductive Technology (Regulation) Act, 2021 and its Rules, which govern egg and sperm donation, cryopreservation, registration of ART clinics, and standards for different types of clinics.
- Under the Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS), a one-time reimbursement of Rs 65,000 or actual cost (whichever is lower) is provided for three fresh IVF cycles, subject to eligibility conditions.
Assisted Reproductive Technology (Regulation) Act, 2021
- About: The ART (Regulation) Act, 2021 was enacted to regulate ART clinics and ART banks in India and ensure ethical, safe, and transparent fertility treatment.
- The Act provides a legal framework to supervise the rapidly growing use of technologies like IVF, while protecting the rights of women, children, and donors.
- The Act mandates compulsory registration of all ART clinics and banks through a National Registry, which acts as a central database.
- Eligibility for Commissioning Parties: ART services are available to single women and infertile married couples, where the woman is 21–50 years and the man is 21–55 years. Foreigners are also allowed to access ART services.
- Eligibility for Donors: Semen donors (21–55 years); Egg donors (23–35 years).
- A woman can donate eggs only once, with a maximum of 7 eggs retrieved.
- A donor’s gametes cannot be supplied by a bank to more than one commissioning party.
- Consent and Screening: Written informed consent is mandatory, and genetic disease screening is compulsory. Sex-selective services are strictly prohibited.
- Insurance for Egg Donor: Commissioning parties must provide insurance coverage to protect the donor against medical loss, injury, or death.
- Children born through ART are legally recognised as the biological children of the commissioning parents, while donors have no parental rights.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q. What is the main finding of the ICMR–NIRRCH study on IVF?
It found that a single IVF cycle costs over ₹1 lakh even in public hospitals, causing high out-of-pocket burden.
Q. Which law regulates IVF and ART services in India?
The Assisted Reproductive Technology (Regulation) Act, 2021 and its Rules regulate ART practices in India.
Q. Which government scheme currently provides limited IVF reimbursement?
CGHS provides one-time reimbursement up to ₹65,000 for three fresh IVF cycles, subject to eligibility.
Q. Why is inclusion of IVF under PM-JAY being demanded?
To reduce financial burden, improve access, and address declining fertility and rising infertility.
Summary
- An ICMR–NIRRCH study reveals that a single IVF cycle in India costs over Rs 1 lakh, even in public hospitals, creating a heavy financial burden.
- Female factors, especially PCOS, are the leading cause of infertility, while male factors contribute significantly.
- Infertility severely affects quality of life due to pain, anxiety, and depression.
- The report recommends including IVF under PM-JAY, expanding public ART services, and regulating treatment costs.
UPSC Civil Services Examination Previous Year Question (PYQ)
Prelims
Q. In the context of recent advances in human reproductive technology, “Pronuclear Transfer” is used for (2020)
(a) fertilization of egg in vitro by the donor sperm
(b) genetic modification of sperm producing cells
(c) development of stem cells into functional embryos
(d) prevention of mitochondrial diseases in offspring
Ans: (d)
Q. Consider the following statements: (2020)
- Genetic changes can be introduced in the cells that produce eggs or sperms of a prospective parent.
- A person’s genome can be edited before birth at the early embryonic stage.
- Human induced pluripotent stem cells can be injected into the embryo of a pig.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 2 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Ans: (d)
INS Sutlej
09-10-2025
Source: PIB
INS Sutlej arrived at Port Louis to conduct the 18th Joint Hydrographic Survey in Mauritius.
- INS Sutlej is a specialized hydrographic survey vessel of the Indian Navy, built by Goa Shipyard Limited and commissioned in 1993. Currently based in Kochi under the Southern Naval Command.
- It is a specialized hydrographic survey vessel for charting, mapping, and oceanographic research.
- It is equipped with advanced systems including:
- Multi-beam swath echo sounder and side-scan sonars – for high-precision seabed mapping.
- Differential GPS and motion sensors – for navigational accuracy.
- Sea gravimeter, magnetometer, and oceanographic sensors – for geophysical and environmental data.
- Automated data logging system – for real-time digital survey processing.
- Carries one Chetak helicopter and four survey motorboats, augmenting reconnaissance and data-gathering reach.
- Standards: Conforms to ISO 9002 digital survey accuracy standards, enabling production of electronic navigational charts (ENCs).
RBI’s Recommendations on Liquidity Management Framework
09-08-2025
Source: BS
Why in News?
The Reserve Bank of India’s (RBI) Internal Working Group (IWG) has submitted its recommendations to improve the efficiency and predictability of the Liquidity Management Framework (LMF), which has been in operation since February 2020.
What is RBI's Liquidity Management Framework (LMF)?
- About: The LMF is essentially the toolkit the RBI uses to manage the amount of cash in the banking system, helping steer short-term interest rates and ensuring smooth monetary policy transmission.
- Core Mechanism: At LMF core, it relies on the Liquidity Adjustment Facility (LAF) that is the repo and reverse repo mechanism through which RBI injects or absorbs liquidity as needed.
- This framework typically operates with a "corridor system," where the policy repo rate sits in the middle. The overnight Weighted Average Call Rate (WACR) serves as the key operating target for monetary policy.
- Other Tools in LMF: The LMF also includes other tools like Open Market Operations (OMO), Cash Reserve Ratio (CRR), and Statutory Liquidity Ratio (SLR) for longer-term and structural liquidity adjustments.
Recommendations of RBI on Liquidity Management Framework (LMF)
- WACR as the Operating Target: IWG recommends continuing to use the overnight WACR as the operating target for monetary policy.
- Rationale: WACR has shown a high correlation with other overnight collateralized money market rates, making it an effective tool for transmitting monetary policy signals.
- It remains a reliable instrument for ensuring smooth transmission of rates across different segments of the money market.
- Discontinue the 14-day VRR/VRRR Auctions: 14-day Variable Rate Repo (VRR) and Variable Rate Reverse Repo (VRRR) auctions should no longer be the primary operations for managing transient liquidity.
- Instead, the RBI should manage transient liquidity primarily through 7-day repo/reverse repo operations and other operations with tenors ranging from overnight to 14 days.
- Rationale: 14-day VRR/VRRR auctions have seen lower participation, with banks preferring shorter-term tools like the Standing Deposit Facility (SDF).
- Shorter-term operations are more effective in managing liquidity needs without causing dislocations in the market.
- Advance Notice for Repo/Reverse Repo Operations: The RBI should provide at least one day’s advance notice for conducting repo/reverse repo operations.
- IWG recommends, if required, the RBI may conduct same-day repo/reverse repo operations in response to evolving liquidity conditions.
- Rationale: Advance notice reduces market uncertainty and helps smooth money market rates.
- Minimum CRR Requirement: The RBI should continue to enforce the 90% daily minimum requirement for maintaining the CRR.
- Rationale: This requirement ensures that banks maintain sufficient reserves, thereby preventing liquidity shortfalls.
Key Terms Related to RBI's LMF
- Weighted Average Call Rate (WACR): It is the average interest rate at which banks borrow and lend money to each other for one day (overnight) in the call money market, weighted by the volume of transactions.
- It’s the RBI’s main operating target for monetary policy to signal short-term interest rates.
- Variable Rate Repo (VRR): It is an RBI tool used to manage short-term liquidity. Unlike the fixed repo, where the rate is pre-set, VRR uses an auction mechanism to determine the lending rate based on market demand.
- Variable Rate Reverse Repo (VRRR): It is a monetary policy tool used by the RBI to absorb excess liquidity through auctions, where banks bid at variable interest rates to place short-term deposits with the RBI and earn interest in return.
- Unlike the fixed reverse repo, VRRR rates are set via auctions, letting market forces decide and helping RBI absorb excess liquidity more effectively.

UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Questions (PYQs)
Prelims
Q. If the RBI decides to adopt an expansionist monetary policy, which of the following would it not do? (2020)
- Cut and optimize the Statutory Liquidity Ratio
- Increase the Marginal Standing Facility Rate
- Cut the Bank Rate and Repo Rate
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Ans: (b)
Q.Which of the following statements is/are correct regarding the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC)? (2017)
- It decides the RBI’s benchmark interest rates.
- It is a 12-member body including the Governor of RBI and is reconstituted every year.
- It functions under the chairmanship of the Union Finance Minister.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) 1 only
(b) 1 and 2 only
(c) 3 only
(d) 2 and 3 only
Ans: (a)

India-UAE 13th JDCC
09-08-2025
Source: PIB
India and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) reaffirmed their commitment to deepening defence ties during the 13th Joint Defence Cooperation Committee (JDCC) meeting held in New Delhi.
Key Outcomes of 13th JDCC Meet:
- India-UAE enhanced military training and signed an MoU between Indian Coast Guard and UAE National Guard for maritime security, including SAR, anti-piracy, pollution response, and real-time info sharing in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).
- Advanced joint defence manufacturing through the ICOMM-CARACAL small arms partnership and explored co-development of AI and shipbuilding technologies, including refits and maintenance of shared platforms.
- Held inter-service (Army, Navy & Air Force) talks to boost joint exercises, training, Subject Matter Expert (SME) exchange, inter-service coordination, and tri-service interoperability.
Significance of India- UAE Relations:
- The UAE is India’s 3rd-largest trading partner and 2nd-largest export destination, while India is UAE’s 2nd-largest trading partner.
- India- UAE share a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, with deepened political, defence, and strategic ties.
- It includes petroleum, gems, agriculture, textiles, chemicals, and engineering goods.
- The UAE is a vital oil supplier and contributor to India’s Strategic Petroleum Reserves (SPR), crucial for India’s energy security and Gulf stability.
- India and the UAE have signed an MoU to establish a Local Currency Settlement System and integrated payment systems, facilitating smoother cross-border transactions.
- UAE’s role in strategic platforms like I2U2, IMEC and the Abraham Accords strengthens India’s connectivity, economic influence, and energy security.
- The UAE hosts 3.5 million Indians, and the construction of a Hindu temple in Abu Dhabi reflects strong cultural and economic ties.

Diabetes in India
09-08-2025
Source: IE
A Lancet Global Health study based on the Longitudinal Aging Study in India (LASI) found that at least one in five Indians aged 45 and above had diabetes in 2019.
- Around 40% of people with diabetes were unaware they had the disease, revealing gaps in diagnosis and awareness.
- Diabetes: It is a chronic non-communicable disease where the pancreas stops producing insulin or the body can’t use it properly. Insulin is a hormone that controls blood sugar, when insulin doesn’t work properly, blood sugar rises, causing hyperglycaemia.
- Conversely, too much insulin can cause hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar).
- Types of Diabetes
- Type 1: Autoimmune destruction of insulin-producing cells, requiring daily insulin; mostly affects children and young adults.
- Type 2: Body resists insulin or doesn’t produce enough; linked to overweight, inactivity, and genetics; accounts for over 95% of diabetes cases; can be prevented with lifestyle changes.
- Gestational Diabetes: High blood sugar during pregnancy; increases risks for mother and child and raises chance of developing Type 2 later.
- India’s Initiatives: Encourages healthy lifestyles through Fit India Movement.
- Population-based screenings for diabetes at Ayushman Arogya Mandirs.
- The Central Board of Secondary Education mandates ‘sugar boards’ in schools to educate children on sugar content in foods and health risks.
Note: Type 5 diabetes is a newly recognized form affecting lean teens and young adults with a body-mass index (BMI) below 18.5 kg/m².
- Unlike Type 1 (autoimmune) or Type 2 (insulin resistance), Type 5 is caused by malnutrition damaging pancreatic beta cells, leading to insulin deficiency.

White-bellied Heron and Kalai-II Project
09-01-2026
Source: IE
Why in News?
The environmental clearance (EC) for the 1,200-MW Kalai-II hydropower project on the Lohit River in Arunachal Pradesh (AR) has triggered concerns over serious omissions in the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), particularly regarding the critically endangered white-bellied heron.
What are White-bellied Herons?
- About: The White-bellied Heron (Ardea insignis), also known as the imperial heron or great white-bellied heron, is a large species of heron in the family Ardeidae. It is recognized as the 2nd-largest heron in the world.
- Habitat: Strictly dependent on free-flowing, fast-flowing eastern Himalayan riverine habitats with low human disturbance. Feeds mainly on fish found in river rapids, making it highly sensitive to dams and flow alterations.
- Morphological Features: Longer, flexible neck with razor-sharp serrated bill for catching fish in deep waters.
- Compact body with shorter legs for stability in fast currents. Extended toes to grip slippery rocks—an adaptation to turbulent river habitats.
- Conservation Status: Critically Endangered species as per the IUCN Red List.
- Global & Regional Population: Distributed across ~165,000 km² of Himalayan freshwater ecosystems spanning Bhutan, India, Myanmar, China, and Bangladesh. Fewer than 60 individuals survive in the wild today.
- Bhutan hosts ~45% of the global population, with 3–5 active breeding pairs, making it the species’ last stronghold.
- It is considered extinct in Nepal and possibly Bangladesh.
- Distribution in India: It is found in Arunachal Pradesh (Lohit, Anjaw, and Changlang districts). Recorded in and around Namdapha Tiger Reserve (AR) and Kamlang Tiger Reserve (AR). Sightings recorded along the entire Lohit River stretch.
- Behavior: It is largely solitary, vocalizing with deep croaks mainly at dawn and dusk, and nests in tall trees.
-
Ecological Significance: It serves as a bio-indicator for the Himalayan freshwater ecosystem, reflecting factors like water quality, fish populations, pollution, and habitat integrity. Its decline signals broader ecosystem degradation and collapsing food chains.
- Major Threats: Hydropower dams (habitat fragmentation, altered river flows), habitat loss, hunting, and anthropogenic disturbances. Very small gene pool and restricted distribution range.

What is the Kalai-II Hydropower Project?
- About: It is a proposed 1,200 MW run-of-river hydroelectric project with pondage (small storage capacity) on the Lohit River, a major tributary of the Brahmaputra, located in Anjaw district, Arunachal Pradesh.
- It is being developed by Tehri Hydro Development Corporation India Limited.
- Development History: Initially allotted to a private developer, the project stalled for years before being revived in 2023–24 and transferred to THDC India Limited by the Arunachal Pradesh government.
- It is among 13 stalled hydropower projects reassigned to central PSUs for faster execution.
Lohit River
- About: The Lohit River is a right-bank tributary of the Brahmaputra River, originating in the Kangri Karpo range of eastern Tibet, where it is known as Zayul Chu.
- Course: It enters India near Kibithu in Arunachal Pradesh (India’s easternmost inhabited point), flows southward through the Mishmi Hills in Anjaw and Lohit districts, and emerges into the Assam plains near Parasuram Kund and Sadiya.
- It flows through protected areas such as Kamlang Wildlife Sanctuary (AR) and Mehao Wildlife Sanctuary (AR).
- Confluence: It joins the Siang (upper Brahmaputra) and Dibang rivers near Kobo in Assam to form the main Brahmaputra stem.
- Hydroelectric Power Projects: Kalai-II Hydroelectric Project (1,200 MW), Demwe Lower Hydroelectric Project (1,750 MW, now stalled), Hutong (proposed), Demwe Upper (proposed).


Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the conservation status of the White-bellied Heron?
It is Critically Endangered (IUCN Red List) and a Schedule-I species under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.
2. Where is the White-bellied Heron found in India?
Mainly in Arunachal Pradesh—Lohit, Anjaw, and Changlang districts, including Namdapha and Kamlang Tiger Reserves.
3. How do hydropower dams threaten the White-bellied Heron?
By altering river flow, fragmenting habitats, reducing fish availability, and increasing human disturbance.
UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Questions (PYQs)
Q. With reference to India’s Desert National Park, which of the following statements are correct? (2020)
- It is spread over two districts.
- There is no human habitation inside the Park.
- It is one of the natural habitats of Great Indian Bustard.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Ans: (c)
Q. Which one of the following National Parks has a climate that varies from tropical to subtropical, temperate and arctic? (2015)
(a) Khangchendzonga National Park
(b) Nandadevi National Park
(c) Neora Valley National Park
(d) Namdapha National Park
Ans: (d)
BHASHINI's Shrutlekh Multilingual Translation Tool
09-01-2026
Source: PIB
The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) demonstrated Digital India BHASHINI’s AI tool, Shrutlekh, by using it for real-time multilingual speech-to-text translation during key speeches.
Shrutlekh
- About: Shrutlekh is an AI-powered tool developed under India's BHASHINI (BHASHa INterface for India) platform, initiated by the MeitY as part of the National Language Translation Mission.
- Function: It functions as a real-time speech-to-text transcription and multilingual translation system, enabling Automatic Language Detection (ALD), transcription of spoken content, and Live Translation Display into various Indian languages.
BHASHINI (BHASHa INterface for India)
- About: BHASHINI is India’s AI-powered platform designed to break down language barriers and create a language-inclusive digital India.
- Objective: Its core mission is to enable citizens to access digital content and services in their preferred Indian languages, promoting digital inclusion across governance, education, and healthcare.
- Scope & Accessibility: The platform supports over 22 scheduled Indian languages and features tools like Shrutlekh (speech-to-text), document translation, and a crowdsourcing initiative (Bhashadaan) for data contribution.
- Real-World Integration: BHASHINI is a key pillar of India's Digital Public Infrastructure, enabling language-layer interoperability alongside Aadhaar, UPI, and DigiLocker. It has been deployed for real-time speech translation in governance on portals like e-Shram, for conversational UPI payments, and at major public events.

Turkman Gate
09-01-2026
Source: IE
Turkman Gate is in the news following a recent demolition drive that turned violent, recalling the Emergency (1975–77) when the area witnessed forced demolitions and coercive sterilisation drives, later examined by the Shah Commission.
- About: Turkman Gate was one of the 14 gates of Shahjahanabad, the walled city founded by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in the mid-17th century (around 1650 AD).
- It was named after the Sufi saint Hazrat Shah Turkman Bayabani, whose mausoleum lies in the vicinity, giving the area enduring cultural and religious significance.
- History: The significance of Turkman Gate predates Mughal Delhi. The area formed part of an important pre-existing urban and spiritual landscape, reflecting Delhi’s role as a major centre of Sufism.
-
Location: The gate stood along a key arterial route linking Fatehpuri Masjid – Hauz Qazi – the old Yamuna belt, a thoroughfare that was incorporated into Shahjahanabad’s urban design. Today, it is located in Old Delhi, near Jama Masjid.
-
Significance: Like other gates of the walled city, Turkman Gate served both defensive and commercial functions, protecting the city from external threats while regulating the movement of people and goods.
-
It survived major historical disruptions, including the Revolt of 1857, colonial-era demolition of city walls, Partition, and subsequent commercial restructuring.

Avian Flu
09-01-2026
Source:TH
A fresh outbreak of avian influenza (H5N1) in Kuttanad, Kerala has once again disrupted its centuries-old duck-rearing tradition, raising serious concerns about livelihoods, biodiversity, and rural sustainability.
- The latest outbreak has already killed ~55,000 birds, with another 25,000 set to be culled as a preventive measure.
- Indigenous duck breeds like Chara and Chembally face a risk of local extinction.
- Avian influenza A(H5N1): It is a highly pathogenic virus that primarily circulates among birds but can also infect mammals.
- History: First detected in China in 1996, it has since evolved into a global threat. India reported its first outbreak in Maharashtra and Gujarat in 2015.
- Beyond poultry, H5N1 has caused widespread mortality among wild birds, including endangered species like the California condor, and has spilled over to marine mammals such as sea lions and dolphins as well as terrestrial mammals like foxes, pumas, and bears.
- Transmission: Human infection with avian influenza is rare and occurs mainly through direct contact with infected birds or their secretions, especially in poultry farms and live bird markets.
- Human-to-human transmission remains extremely rare. The virus continues to evolve, and if it mutates to allow sustained human-to-human transmission, it could trigger a global pandemic. Hence, H5N1 is listed as a priority disease under WHO R&D Blueprint.
- Symptoms: Common symptoms include high fever, cough, sore throat, and muscle aches.
- Severe cases may progress to respiratory failure or neurological complications, while some exposed individuals remain asymptomatic.
- Treatment: Antiviral drugs such as oseltamivir are effective, particularly when given early in severe or high-risk cases.

e-B-4 Business Visa for Chinese Nationals
09-01-2026
Source: TH
India has introduced an e-Production Investment Business Visa (e-B-4) for Chinese nationals, allowing fully online travel for production- and investment-related business activities without requiring embassy visits.
- Coverage: The visa permits activities such as installation and commissioning of equipment, quality checks, essential maintenance, production, Information Technology(IT) and Enterprise Resource Planning(ERP) ramp-up, training, supply-chain development, empanelling of vendors, plant design and bring-up, and travel of senior management and executives.
- Processing and Validity: The visa is issued within 45–50 days of application and permits a stay of up to six months in India.
- Application Mechanism: Applicants can apply online through the Bureau of Immigration’s e-Visa portal, while Indian companies inviting Chinese professionals can register on DPIIT’s National Single Window System (NSWS).
- Significance: The move is part of recent people-centric measures agreed by India and China to reset bilateral ties, facilitating smoother business mobility and supporting investment-linked economic engagement.
Spina Bifida
09-01-2026
Source: TH
Recently, health experts highlighted that India has one of the world’s highest prevalence rates(~4 per 1,000 births) of Spina Bifida, with over 25,000 children affected every year.
- About: Spina Bifida is a congenital neural tube defect in which the spinal cord fails to close completely during early fetal development.
- Symptoms: Affected children may develop hydrocephalus (excess fluid in the brain), urinary and bowel incontinence(lack of control), a visible swelling or lump on the baby’s back, club foot and other orthopaedic deformities, with severity ranging from mild weakness to complete paraplegia.
- Impact: It leads to partial or complete paralysis of the lower limbs, often resulting in wheelchair-dependence from early childhood. Though their intellectual abilities remain normal, over 75% of affected children in India lack access to specialised medical and surgical care, pushing families into prolonged financial and emotional distress. The condition significantly increases under-five mortality, disability burden, and long-term healthcare costs.
- Prevention: Global medical evidence since 1991 confirms that periconceptional folic acid supplementation can prevent over 70% of Spina Bifida cases.
- Emerging Research: Recent studies indicate that fortifying commonly consumed beverages like tea with folate and Vitamin B12 could help prevent anaemia and neural tube defects in India.
EARTH Summit 2025
08-12-2025
Source: PIB
Union Home & Cooperation Minister inaugurated EARTH Summit 2025 in Gandhinagar, launching 13+ digital services under Sahakar Sarathi, including Digi Kisan Credit Card (KCC), Cooperative Governance Index, and the World’s Largest Grain Storage Application.
- EARTH Summit: The EARTH Summit series aims to build a national policy framework for rural development by integrating learnings from its three editions, first held in Hyderabad, then in Gandhinagar, and later in Delhi.
- Sahakar Sarathi: It is a digital initiative launched under the Ministry of Cooperation and developed by NABARD to modernise and strengthen India’s cooperative banking and rural financial ecosystem.
- It aims to bring every district, central, state, agricultural and urban cooperative bank under a single, unified technology platform, reducing costs and improving efficiency for smaller cooperatives.
- Helps rural banks access modern banking technology without the financial burden of building their own infrastructure.
- Ensures that farmers with e-KCC receive digital facilities comparable to international credit cards.
GIFT City as Reinsurance Hub
08-12-2025
Source: ET
India’s plan to turn Gujarat International Finance Tec-City (GIFT City) into a global reinsurance hub, is advancing with over 10 international insurers already set up and more in line.
GIFT City
- About: GIFT City, India’s first International Financial Services Centre (IFSC), on the Sabarmati River in Gandhinagar, is a world-class financial and IT hub.
- It was established under the Special Economic Zone (SEZ) Act, 2005, and is structured into two zones i.e., GIFT SEZ for non-resident entities, and Domestic Tariff Area (DTA) for domestic commercial purposes.
- Designated as a non-resident zone under the Foreign Exchange Management Act, 1999 (FEMA).
- IFSC is a jurisdiction that provides onshore and offshore financial services to non-residents and residents (institutions), in a foreign currency.
- Objective: To attract global capital and establish India as a leading international financial centre (like Singapore and Dubai).
- Regulatory Body: Governed by the International Financial Services Centres Authority (IFSCA), a unified regulator established by the IFSCA Act, 2019.
- The IFSCA consolidates powers previously held by RBI, SEBI, IRDAI, and PFRDA for operations within the IFSC, ensuring a single-window regulatory system.
- Functions: Functions as India’s onshore financial free zone, combining a global financial hub (banking, exchanges, reinsurance), a smart tech ecosystem for fintech, and a tax-friendly business enclave to attract international capital and services.
- Incentives Provided: It offers major incentives, including a 10-year tax holiday, no additional capital injection, and a lighter compliance regime, unlike onshore India.
Kazakhstan Poised to Join Abraham Accords
08-11-2025
Source: IE
US President Donald Trump announced that Kazakhstan will join the Abraham Accords, expanding the framework that normalises relations between Israel and Muslim-majority nations.
- Abraham Accords: The Abraham Accords are US–brokered agreements (2020) that normalised ties between Israel and several Arab/Muslim-majority countries
- The accords are named after the biblical figure Abraham, considered a common ancestor of Jews and Arabs, symbolizing brotherhood.
- Key Signatories: The key signatories to the Abraham Accords include Israel, UAE, Bahrain, and Morocco (all in 2020), and Sudan (2021).
- The UAE was the first to announce full normalisation, followed by Bahrain. Sudan joined after being removed from the US terror list, while Morocco normalised ties in exchange for US recognition of its Western Sahara claim.
- Significance The Accords shows how the Arab countries are gradually decoupling themselves from the Palestine issue. It enhances regional diplomacy, trade, technology and tourism.
- India’s Interests: India has leveraged the Abraham Accords to strengthen its relationships with both Israel and Arab states at the same time.
- The new strategic platform I2U2 (India, Israel, UAE and the US) grew out of this environment, opening doors for collaboration in energy, water, health, transport, food security and space.

Mussels as Bioindicators
08-11-2025
Source: TH
Mussels are being used as bioindicators to monitor microplastic and chemical pollution in the Saronic Gulf of Greece.
- About: Mussels are bivalve mollusks ( shell-bearing invertebrates with two hinged shells). They are found in both marine (family Mytilidae) and freshwater (family Unionidae) environments.
- They occur worldwide, especially in cooler seas, and are an important component of coastal biodiversity.
- Role as Bioindicators: Mussels are used as bioindicators because they are sessile, filter-feeding organisms that accumulate contaminants like heavy metals, microplastics, and other pollutants in their tissues, providing a record of water quality over time.
- Their wide distribution and ability to reflect the presence of pollutants make them valuable for monitoring both freshwater and marine environments for pollution, including chemical and biological hazards.

Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine 2025
08-10-2025
Source: TH
Why in News?
The Nobel Assembly at Sweden’s Karolinska Institutet has awarded the 2025 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine to Mary E. Brunkow (US), Fred Ramsdell (US), and Shimon Sakaguchi (Japan).
- They were recognized for their discoveries on peripheral immune tolerance, particularly regarding regulatory T cells (Tregs) and the FOXP3 (Forkhead Box Protein P3) gene.

Indian Nobel Laureate in Physiology or Medicine: In 1968, Har Gobind Khorana from India was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine, along with Marshall Nirenberg and Robert Holley from the US, for their interpretation of the genetic code and its function in protein synthesis.
What are the Key Discoveries of the 2025 Nobel Laureates in Physiology or Medicine?
- Shimon Sakaguchi (Japan): Discovered the existence of regulatory T cells (Tregs) in 1995, showing that some T cells act as “immune system security guards” to prevent autoimmune attacks.
- Mary Brunkow (USA) and Fred Ramsdell (USA): In 2001, identified that mutations in the FOXP3 gene caused a rare autoimmune disease (IPEX) in humans and similar immune dysfunctions in mice.
- Combined Contribution: Sakaguchi later discovered that the FOXP3 gene controls the development of regulatory T cells, explaining how the immune system maintains peripheral tolerance.
Significance of Discoveries
- Cancer therapy: Targeting Tregs around tumors could make immune attacks on cancer cells more effective.
- Autoimmune diseases: Boosting Tregs may prevent the immune system from attacking the body.
- Transplantation: Better regulation of T cells reduces organ rejection.
What are the Key Facts About the Human Immune System?
- About: The immune system is the body's defense mechanism against harmful invaders like pathogens (viruses, bacteria, fungi, parasites), as well as abnormal cells such as cancer cells.
- The immune system can be broadly divided into innate immunity and adaptive immunity.
- Innate Immunity (Non-Specific Defense): It provides a rapid, generalized response against pathogens through physical barriers (skin, mucous membranes), phagocytes (macrophages, neutrophils), and inflammation (helps isolate and destroy pathogens).
- Adaptive Immunity (Specific Defense): It provides a more targeted, specific response to pathogens and has a "memory" that enables the body to respond more efficiently if the same pathogen invades again.
- Key elements include:
- T-cells: Part of the adaptive immune response, T-cells are a type of white blood cell involved in recognizing and destroying infected cells.
- B-cells: These cells produce antibodies (proteins) that specifically target and neutralize foreign antigens (e.g., viruses or bacteria).
- Immune Tolerance: The immune system must distinguish harmful invaders from the body’s own cells, maintaining self-tolerance to prevent autoimmune diseases (conditions where the body attacks its own tissues).
- Central Tolerance: This occurs in primary lymphoid organs such as the bone marrow and the thymus, where self-reactive immune cells (cells that could attack the body’s own tissues) are eliminated or rendered inactive.
- Peripheral Tolerance: This involves mechanisms in the body’s tissues that prevent any remaining self-reactive cells from becoming active.
- Regulatory T cells (Tregs) are central to peripheral tolerance, ensuring that the immune system does not attack its own tissues.
- Role of Regulatory T Cells (Tregs): Tregs are a specialized subset of T-cells that act as "peacekeepers" of the immune system that suppress immune responses, helping to maintain immune tolerance.
- They are crucial in preventing autoimmune diseases. These cells help control immune responses to avoid excessive inflammation and tissue damage, and they play a critical role in preventing autoimmune disorders like rheumatoid arthritis, type 1 diabetes, and multiple sclerosis.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Who won the 2025 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine?
Mary E. Brunkow, Fred Ramsdell, and Shimon Sakaguchi won for discovering regulatory T cells (Tregs) and the FOXP3 gene involved in immune tolerance.
- What is the role of regulatory T cells (Tregs)?
Tregs act as “peacekeepers” of the immune system, preventing autoimmune reactions by ensuring self-tolerance.
- What is peripheral immune tolerance?
It is the mechanism by which the immune system prevents self-reactive cells from attacking the body’s own tissues, maintaining immune balance.
- Who is the only Indian Nobel Laureate in Physiology or Medicine?
Har Gobind Khorana, awarded in 1968 for interpreting the genetic code and its function in protein synthesis.
UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Questions (PYQs)
Prelims
Q. Nobel Prize winning scientist James D. Watson is known for his work in which area? (2008)
(a) Metallurgy
(b) Meteorology
(c) Environmental protection
(d) Genetics
Ans: (d)
Swadesh Darshan Scheme
08-08-2025
Source: PIB
The Ministry of Tourism undertook a review of the Swadesh Darshan Scheme (SDS) following the CAG’s performance audit.
- The review emphasized institutional strengthening, data-driven destination selection, infrastructure benchmarking, and integration of hard (infrastructure) and soft (capacity building) interventions.
- Focus areas included monitoring, sustainable operations, promotion, and impact assessment for long-term sustainability.
Swadesh Darshan Scheme (SDS & SD2.0)
- Launched in 2014-15, SDS is a 100% centrally funded Central Sector Scheme aimed at sustainable and responsible tourism through integrated development of theme-based circuits (e.g., Buddhist, Heritage).
- It provides financial support to States/UTs/Central Agencies for infrastructure development.
- SD2.0 shifts to destination-centric, sustainable tourism, aligned with ‘Vocal for Local’ and Aatmanirbhar Bharat, encouraging private sector investment in tourism and hospitality.
- Challenge-Based Destination Development (CBDD), a sub-scheme under SD2.0, follows a competitive model focusing on sustainability, digitalization, skill development, MSME support, and efficient management.
Key Initiatives for Tourism Development
MS Swaminathan Centenary Conference
08-08-2025
Source: PIB
The Prime Minister of India inaugurated the MS Swaminathan Centenary International Conference at New Delhi celebrating the legacy of the father of India’s Green Revolution.
- Theme: Evergreen Revolution: The Pathway to Biohappiness. It focuses on food security, sustainability, and inclusive development.
- Contribution of MS Swaminathan: He introduced high-yielding crops, boosting India’s food security, and collaborated with Norman Borlaug (Father of Green Revolution in the world) on semi-dwarf wheat, leading to an increase in wheat production.
- He was also a pioneer in mangrove restoration and sustainable farming, promoting an evergreen revolution for eco-friendly agricultural growth.
- Recognition & Legacy: He was posthumously conferred the Bharat Ratna in 2024 and honoured as the Father of Economic Ecology by UNEP for linking agriculture with sustainable ecological practices.

WHO Classified Hepatitis D as Carcinogenic
08-08-2025
Source: IE
The World Health Organization (WHO) has reclassified Hepatitis D Virus (HDV) as carcinogenic.
Hepatitis
- About: It is a liver inflammation from viral infections, autoimmune disorders, alcohol/drug toxicity. It can be acute or chronic, leading to fibrosis, cirrhosis, or liver cancer.
- Symptoms: Often asymptomatic initially, later fever, fatigue, loss of appetite, dark urine, pale stools, joint pain, jaundice.
- Causes: Hepatotropic viruses (A, B, C, D, E), others like Varicella, SARS-CoV-2 & non-viral causes such as alcohol, drugs, autoimmune hepatitis, fatty liver.
- Prevalence: In 2022, WHO reported 254 million hepatitis B cases, 50 million hepatitis C cases, and 1.3 million deaths, with half of chronic cases in those aged 30–54.
- Hepatitis D: It is a defective virus that depends on the Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) for infection and replication.
- Risk: Causes co-infection or superinfection with HBV, increasing risk of liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (a type of liver cancer) by 2–6 times compared to HBV alone.
- Prevalence: Low but likely underreported in India, especially among intravenous drug users and chronic HBV patients.
- Diagnosis,Treatment & Prevention: Diagnosis relies on the HDV-RNA test, with limited treatment options, though new drugs like bulevirtide show promise.
- Prevention depends on universal Hepatitis B vaccination, which has about 50% coverage in India.
- Key measures include safe blood transfusions, needle safety, safe sexual contact, and screening high-risk groups.
- Key Initiatives:

Helgoland
08-07-2025
Source: TH
Helgoland (or Heligoland), a small 1.7 sq km red sandstone German archipelago, 50 km off Germany’s coast in the North Sea, is renowned as the birthplace of quantum mechanics.
- Helgoland, initially colonized by Frisians (ethnic group in Netherland & Germany), was controlled by Denmark, then Britain (1814), and finally Germany (1890).
- Post-WWII, it was used as a British bombing range before being returned to West Germany in 1952.

Foundation of Quantum Mechanics:
- In June 1925, physicist Werner Heisenberg, suffering from hay fever (allergic rhinitis), retreated to Helgoland island for relief.
- There, he developed matrix mechanics (how atoms absorb and emit light based on discrete energy levels), and laid the foundation of quantum mechanics (fundamental physics theory that explains the behavior of matter and energy at atomic and subatomic levels).
- He replaced the classical idea of electrons orbiting the nucleus with a system based on measurable quantities like light absorption.
- This led to key concepts such as the uncertainty principle and paved the way for modern technologies like lasers and semiconductors.
Werner Heisenberg:
- He was a German theoretical physicist and Nobel laureate (1932), known for formulating the Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle and laying the foundation of quantum mechanics at the age of 23.
- During World War II, Heisenberg played a central role in the German atomic program, which competed with the Manhattan Project.

BIS Foundation Day 2026
08-01-2026
Source: PIB
Recently, the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) celebrated its 79th Foundation Day on 6th January 2026.
- About: BIS is India’s National Standards Body under the Department of Consumer Affairs, Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution, responsible for ensuring product safety, reliability and global competitiveness.
- It was initially set up as the Indian Standards Institution (ISI) that came into being on 6th January 1947.
- Legal Foundation: The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) Act, 2016, provides statutory backing for standardisation, certification and hallmarking.
- Vision: To transform “Made in India” into “Trusted by India and Trusted by the World” through a digitally enabled and globally harmonised quality ecosystem.
- Reforms: It provides Annual Minimum Marking Fee concessions (80%–Micro, 50%–Small, 20%–Medium), relaxes in-house laboratory requirements for large industries.
- The Silver HUID Hallmarking Scheme strengthens consumer protection and transparency making HUID-based marking mandatory while silver hallmarking remains voluntary.
- Key Initiatives:
- BIS Standardisation Portal: End-to-end digital platform integrating standards formulation, review and expert collaboration.
- SHINE Scheme (Standards Help Inform & Nurture Empowered Women): Women-centric quality awareness and empowerment initiative through SHGs and NGOs.
- BIS–SAKSHAM (Scheme for Acknowledging Knowledge, Skills and High-impact Merit): Annual excellence recognition framework.
- Standards National Action Plan (SNAP) 2022–27: A national roadmap that steers standardisation for emerging technologies, sustainability and climate action, positioning standards as enablers of India’s economic growth and quality culture.
- Achievements: 94% of Indian standards have been harmonised with the International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO) and the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) standards.
Ayush Export Promotion Council
08-01-2026
Source: PIB
Recently, the Ayush Export Promotion Council (AYUSHEXCIL) observed its 4th Establishment Anniversary on 4th January 2026.
- About: It is the nodal Export Promotion Council for the AYUSH sector, launched by the Prime Minister during the Global AYUSH Investment and Innovation Summit, Gandhinagar in 2022.
- It functions in consultation with the Ministry of AYUSH with support from the Ministry of Commerce & Industry.
- Functions: The Council undertakes exporter capacity building, regulatory compliance facilitation, B2B meetings, international exhibitions, seminars and overseas outreach programmes to strengthen global market access.
- Coverage: The Council oversees exports of Ayurveda, Yoga & Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, Sowa-Rigpa, Homeopathy, herbal products and Indian traditional healthcare services.
- Ayush Quality Mark: AYUSHEXCIL anchors the Ayush Quality Mark programme of the Ministry of AYUSH, strengthening global quality assurance and product credibility.
- Trade Agreement Integration: AYUSH systems have received formal recognition in bilateral trade agreements, including the India–Oman CEPA and the India–New Zealand FTA, with dedicated annexes on traditional medicine and health-related services.
- Achievement: AYUSH and herbal product exports grew by 6.11%, rising from USD 649.2 million (2023–24) to USD 688.89 million (2024–25), reflecting rising global demand for India’s traditional medicine systems.
Mpemba Effect
08-01-2026
Source:PIB
Scientists from the Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research (JNCASR), an autonomous institute under the Department of Science and Technology (DST), have developed the first supercomputer-powered simulations to explain the Mpemba effect.
- Mpemba effect: It is the phenomenon where hotter water freezes faster than colder water.
- Aristotle first noted the effect in Meteorologica, and it was rediscovered in the 20th century by Erasto Mpemba, after whom it is named.
- JNCASR Study Findings: The study shows that water does not freeze directly but passes through short-lived intermediate molecular states.
- Depending on the starting temperature, water can remain trapped in these states for different durations.
- Hotter water can sometimes bypass these delays and reach ice nucleation faster than colder water, explaining why hot water may freeze first.
- The findings confirm that the Mpemba effect is real and not limited to water, as it can occur in other fluid-to-solid phase transitions.
- The study deepens understanding of out-of-equilibrium phenomena, offers insights for better cooling and thermal control in next-generation electronics, and marks a major breakthrough in nonequilibrium physics, resolving long-standing experimental and theoretical debates.
Indian Railways’ Electrification Drive
08-01-2026
Source: PIB
Indian Railways has electrified 99.2% of its Broad Gauge (1.676 metre distance between the inner faces of the two parallel rail lines) network, covering 69,427 Route Kilometres (RKMs) out of 70,001 RKMs as of November 2025, aligning infrastructure growth with sustainability.
- Historical Significance: Railway electrification in India began in 1925 with the first electric train running between Bombay Victoria Terminus and Kurla Harbour, laying the foundation for energy-efficient rail mobility.
- Acceleration in the Last Decade: Electrification pace surged from 1.42 km/day (2004–2014) to over 15 km/day (2019–2025). The share of electrified railway tracks increased from 24% in 2000 to over 96% by 2024, reaching 99.2% by November 2025.
- Near-Universal State Coverage: Railways' networks in 25 States/UTs are 100% electrified, with only 5 States (Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Assam, and Goa) having residual non-electrified sections totalling 574 RKMs (0.8%).
- Economic and Environmental Gains: Electric traction is about 70% more economical than diesel and significantly reduces carbon emissions, air pollution, and fossil fuel dependence.

- Global Railway Electrification (as of June 2025): Switzerland leads with 100% railway electrification, followed by China (82%), Spain (67%), Japan (64%), France (60%), Russia (52%), and the United Kingdom (39%).
- Integration of Renewable Energy: As of November 2025, Indian Railways has commissioned 898 MW of solar capacity, up from 3.68 MW in 2014, representing a nearly 244-fold increase. Solar installations now cover 2,626 railway stations across India.
Akash-NG Missile
08-01-2026
Source:IE
Why in News?
The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully completed User Evaluation Trials (UET) of the Akash-NG (Next Generation) , clearing the path for its induction into the Indian Air Force (IAF).
- The development cycle of systems from DRDO broadly consists of three phases: developmental trials, user-assisted trials in various conditions, and UETs.
- The successful UET clears the way for the induction of the system, and an acceptance of necessity (AoN) is issued by the user, which, in Akash-NG’s case, is the IAF.
Summary
- DRDO has successfully completed User Evaluation Trials of Akash-NG, clearing the way for its induction into the Indian Air Force and marking a major step in India’s indigenous air defence capability.
- Akash-NG is a lighter, longer-range, and more lethal upgrade over the original Akash, designed to counter high-speed, low-RCS aerial threats and strengthen India’s layered air defence under Atmanirbhar Bharat.
What are the Key Facts About the Akash-NG?
- About: Akash-NG is a next-generation surface-to-air missile (SAM) designed for the IAF to intercept high-speed, high-manoeuvring, low radar cross-section (RCS) aerial threats, including aircraft, drones, and cruise missiles, with a range of up to 70 km and faster response time.
- Development and Production: The system is indigenously developed by DRDO (with 96% indigenous components) and produced by Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) and Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), reinforcing India’s push for self-reliance in defence manufacturing.
- Performance Features: Akash-NG can fly at Mach 2.5, strike targets at around 60–70 km, operate beyond 20 km altitude, and achieve a kill probability of nearly 90%, making it far more lethal than earlier variants.
- The canisterised Akash-NG missile is stored and launched from sealed containers, which ease transport and storage while enhancing shelf life and operational readiness.
- Technological Advancements: It features built-in electronic counter-counter measures (ECCM), which means it has onboard mechanisms that can counter electronic systems that deceive detection systems.
- It features an indigenous Radio Frequency (RF) seeker, dual-pulse solid rocket motor, and fully homegrown radars and command-and-control systems, enabling precision strikes against low-RCS and high-manoeuvring targets.
- Operational Capabilities: The missile can be launched from mobile platforms, engage multiple targets simultaneously, and counter threats at low altitude, near-boundary, and high-altitude long-range scenarios.
- Strategic Significance: Akash was inducted into the IAF in 2014, and into the Indian Army the next year. Both the IAF and the Army currently operate multiple squadrons and groups of missiles, respectively.
- Akash-NG significantly enhances India’s layered air defence architecture, improves readiness against modern aerial threats, and strengthens Atmanirbhar Bharat in critical missile technologies.
- In December 2020, India approved Akash missile exports after interest from several countries, including Armenia, the Philippines, Vietnam, Egypt, and Brazil, highlighting the global acceptance of India’s indigenous defence systems.
- The export version of Akash will be different from those in service with the Indian Armed Forces.
- Difference from Earlier Akash: Compared to the original Akash, the NG version is lighter ( now 350 kg vs earlier 700 kg), has longer range (extended range up to 70 km (earlier ~30 km), replaces ramjet propulsion with a solid rocket motor, and offers improved mobility and survivability.
- The DRDO has also developed Akash Prime, an upgraded version of the Akash missile with the same range but equipped with an indigenous active RF seeker, significantly improving accuracy against aerial targets.
Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme (IGMDP)
- The IGMDP (1983-2012) was launched under the leadership of A. P. J. Abdul Kalam to achieve self-reliance in missile technology and led to the development of 5 missiles (P-A-T-N-A):
- Prithvi (short-range surface-to-surface), Akash (medium-range surface-to-air), Trishul (short-range surface-to-air), Nag (third-generation anti-tank missile), and Agni-I.
- The Prithvi series included Prithvi-I (150 km, now withdrawn), Prithvi-II (250–350 km, liquid-fuelled, nuclear-capable), and Prithvi-III (up to 750 km with lighter payload), with Dhanush as its naval variant.
- Trishul had a limited range of 12 km for point air defence, while Akash emerged as a key medium-range SAM with a 30 km intercept range.
- Owing to its strategic importance, the Agni missile programme was later separated from IGMDP and expanded independently, marking a major milestone in India’s strategic deterrence capability.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is Akash-NG?
Akash-NG is a next-generation surface-to-air missile (SAM) designed to intercept high-speed, high-manoeuvring, low-RCS aerial threats up to 70 km.
2. Why are User Evaluation Trials (UETs) important?
Successful UETs confirm operational readiness under real conditions and clear the system for induction into the IAF.
3. How is Akash-NG different from the original Akash?
Akash-NG is lighter (350 kg vs 700 kg), has a longer range, uses a dual-pulse solid rocket motor, and offers better mobility and survivability
4. Who developed Akash-NG and who produces it?
It was developed by DRDO and is produced by Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) and Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL).
5. What is IGMDP, and why is it significant?
The Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme, led by A. P. J. Abdul Kalam laid the foundation for India’s indigenous missile systems like Prithvi, Akash, Nag, and Agni, enhancing strategic self-reliance.
UPSC Civil Services Examination Previous Year Question (PYQ)
Q1. What is “Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD)”, sometimes seen in the news? (2018)
(a) An Israeli radar system
(b) India’s indigenous anti-missile programme
(c) An American anti-missile system
(d) A defence collaboration between Japan and South Korea.
Ans: (c)
Q2. With reference to Agni-IV Missile, which of the following statements is/are correct? (2014)
- It is a surface-to-surface missile.
- It is fuelled by liquid propellant only.
- It can deliver one-tonne nuclear warheads about 7500 km away.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Ans: (a)
150th Anniversary of India’s National Song
07-11-2025
Source: PIB
Why in News?
The Prime Minister inaugurated year-long celebrations marking 150 years of Vande Mataram on 7th November 2025. The national song “Vande Mataram” composed by Bankimchandra Chatterji, is believed to have been written on Akshaya Navami on 7th November 1875.
What are the Key Facts About Vande Mataram?
- Vande Mataram: Also pronounced “Bande Mataram,” It is composed by Bankim Chandra Chatterjee, Vande Mataram was first published in the literary journal Bangadarshan on 7th November 1875 and later included in his immortal novel Anandamath (1882).
- Set to music by Rabindranath Tagore, it became a powerful symbol of India’s cultural and political identity, embodying unity, sacrifice, and devotion.
- National Song Status: First two verses were adopted in 1937 as India’s National Song by the Congress Working Committee.
- On 24th January 1950, Dr. Rajendra Prasad, the first President of India, announced that while Jana Gana Mana would be the National Anthem, Vande Mataram, for its key role in the freedom movement, would be honoured equally as the National Song.
- India’s Constitution does not explicitly mention a national song. However, Article 51A(a) asks citizens to respect the Constitution, National Flag and National Anthem.
Vande Mataram - Song of Resistance & Collective Consciousness
- Vande Mataram became the battle cry of resurgent nationalism, symbolising devotion to the motherland and resistance against colonial rule.
- The British recognised its ability to unite people, and in many places, banned its public singing or display.
- Adoption by Congress: In 1896, Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore sang Vande Mataram at the Kolkata session of the Indian National Congress. Soon, its first two stanzas became a routine part of Congress gatherings.
- It was also sung during the proclamation of the Provisional Government of Azad Hind.
- At the Varanasi session of the Indian National Congress (1905), the song 'Vande Mataram' was adopted for all-India occasions.
- Bande Mataram Sampradaya: Formed in October 1905 in North Calcutta to promote devotion to the Motherland.
- Members held Prabhat Pheris every Sunday, singing Vande Mataram and collecting voluntary donations.
- Bande Mataram-A English Daily: In August 1906, the English daily Bande Mataram was started under Bipin Chandra Pal, with Sri Aurobindo later joining as joint editor, it became a major nationalist voice, spreading ideas of self-reliance, unity, and resistance to colonial rule.
- Thinkers like Sri Aurobindo believed Vande Mataram carried spiritual force and awakened collective consciousness, making its recitation both a political and spiritual act.
- Vande Mataram During Partition of Bengal: Vande Mataram was first used as a political slogan on 7th August 1905 during student processions in Calcutta’s Town Hall, sparking the swadeshi and anti-partition movement in Bengal.
- In 1905, during the anti-partition movement in Bengal, nearly 40,000 people gathered at Calcutta Town Hall and sang Vande Mataram in protest.
- Its influence was so strong that Lord Curzon ordered police to arrest anyone who sang it, highlighting its political impact.
- Vande Mataram Movement of Gulbarga: It was a major student-led protest in the Hyderabad–Karnataka region.
- After the British banned the song in November, 1938 students from colleges such as Osmania University and Gulbarga University defiantly sang it, leading to house arrests and expulsions.
- The British deployed police across campuses to contain the movement.
- Influence on Indian Revolutionaries Abroad: In 1907, Madam Bhikaji Cama raised the tricolour flag for the first-time outside India in Stuttgart, Berlin. The words Vande Mataram were written on the flag.
- In August 1909, when Madan Lal Dhignra was hanged in England, his last words before he went to the gallows were “Bande Mataram.”
- In 1909, Indian patriots in Paris undertook the publication of a magazine called Bande Mataram from Geneva.
- In October 1912, Gopal Krishna Gokhale was welcomed in Cape Town with a grand procession chanting “Vande Mataram.”
Bankim Chandra Chatterjee (1838–1894)
- He was a leading 19th-century Bengali writer whose novels, poetry, and essays shaped modern Bengali prose and early Indian nationalism.
- His major works are Anandamath, Durgeshnandini, Kapalkundala, and Devi Chaudhurani which captured the social and cultural struggles of a colonised society.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Who composed Vande Mataram?
Vande Mataram: Also pronounced “Bande Mataram,” it was composed in Sanskrit by Bankim Chandra Chatterjee in 1875 and later included in his Bengali novel Anandamath.
2. Is the National Song mentioned in the Constitution?
No explicit mention. Article 51A(a) imposes a Fundamental Duty to respect the Constitution, National Flag, and National Anthem.
3. What are the two historic movements where Vande Mataram was central?
During the Partition of Bengal (1905), mass gatherings at Calcutta Town Hall sang Vande Mataram in protest. In Gulbarga (1938), students defied the ban on the song, leading to arrests and expulsions.
UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Question (PYQ)
Prelims:
Q. Who among the following is associated with ‘Songs from Prison’, a translation of ancient Indian religious lyrics in English? (2021)
(a) Bal Gangadhar Tilak
(b) Jawaharlal Nehru
(c) Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi
(d) Sarojini Naidu
Ans: (c)
Q. What is the number of spokes in the Dharmachakra in the National Flag of India? (2008)
(a) 16
(b) 18
(c) 22
(d) 24
Ans: (d)
Nauradehi Wildlife Sanctuary: India’s Third Cheetah Site
07-11-2025
Source: IE
Nauradehi Wildlife Sanctuary (NWS) in Madhya Pradesh is being prepared as India’s third cheetah site.
- Unlike Kuno and Gandhi Sagar, where cheetahs were introduced into predator-free landscapes, Nauradehi already has about 25 tigers along with wolves, wild dogs, panthers, and crocodiles, making it the first site where cheetahs must share space with apex predators.
Nauradehi Wildlife Sanctuary
- Location: It is the largest wildlife sanctuary in Madhya Pradesh, declared in 1975. The entire Sanctuary is situated on the upper Vindhyan plateau within the Deccan Peninsula biogeographic region.
- Connectivity: NWS acts as a corridor for Panna Tiger Reserve and Satpura Tiger Reserve while indirectly connecting Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve via Rani Durgawati Wildlife Sanctuary.
- Habitat & Forests: The area is dominated by Tropical Dry Deciduous forests of the central Indian monsoon zone.
- Flora: Teak is the main species, along with Saja, Dhaora, Bhirra, Mahua, Tendu, Ber, Bel, Gunja, and Amla.
- Fauna: It hosts tiger, leopard, wild dog, sloth bear, and Indian wolf (Canis lupus pallipes), alongside nilgai, chinkara, spotted deer, sambar, and blackbuck.
- The Indian wolf is recognised as the sanctuary’s keystone species, reflecting its strong canid presence.
- Birdlife exceeds 170 species, and crocodiles occur in the Bamner river.
- Rivers & Drainage: Three fourth of Nauradehi Wildlife Sanctuary falls in the Yamuna (Ganges) basin and one fourth of the sanctuary falls in the Narmada basin.
- The Kopra River, Bamner River, Bearma River, which are tributaries of the Ken River, are the major rivers of this protected area
- Geology & Soils: Vindhyan sandstone dominates NWS, alongside Lameta and Deccan Trap formations.
- Soils range from red and black to alluvial, shaping varied dry forest and grassland vegetation.

Cyclone Shakhti
07-10-2025
Source: IE
Cyclone Shakhti, a name given by Sri Lanka, which originated in the Arabian Sea, has strengthened into a severe cyclonic storm (SCS) with wind speeds reaching 100 kmph.
Cyclones
- About: Cyclones are fast air circulations around low-pressure areas, rotating anticlockwise in the Northern Hemisphere and clockwise in the Southern, often causing storms and severe weather.
- Cyclone Formation in Arabian Sea: The Arabian Sea, particularly its central and southern parts, serves as a warm pool with ideal Sea Surface Temperature (SST) (at least 27°C) favourable for cyclone formation.
- Also, the Madden-Julian Oscillation (MJO) is a large weather system that moves eastward around the tropics.
- When its active phase is over the Arabian Sea, it creates favorable conditions for cyclones — including more moisture, low wind shear, and strong upward air movement.
- Classification of Cyclones: IMD classifies low-pressure systems in the Bay of Bengal and Arabian Sea by damage potential, following World Meteorological Organization (WMO) guidelines.

- Naming of Cyclones: The WMO/ESCAP (United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific) Panel on Tropical Cyclones, which includes 13 North Indian Ocean countries, manages cyclone naming for the Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal.
- The panel has a pre-set list of names submitted by 13 countries to be used sequentially.
- Names are chosen in order, column by column, regardless of where the cyclone forms.

NAVYA Initiative
07-10-2025
Source: PIB
Why in News?
The Nurturing Aspirations through Vocational Training for Young Adolescent Girls (NAVYA) initiative, launched under Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY) 4.0, aims to empower adolescent girls aged 16-18 by providing them with vocational training in emerging job sectors.
What is the NAVYA Initiative?
- About: Launched on 24th June 2025, the NAVYA initiative is a collaborative effort between the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) and the Ministry of Women and Child Development (MWCD).
- Currently, the initiative is being piloted in 9 districts across 9 states — Maharashtra, Gujarat, Karnataka, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Jharkhand, and Himachal Pradesh.
- These districts have been identified as ’aspirational’ by NITI Aayog.
- Target: The initiative will cover 3850 girls in 27 Aspirational and North-Eastern districts in 19 states, and currently it is being piloted across 9 states in 9 districts.
- Key Objectives:
- Demand-Driven Training: Courses in technology, healthcare, and modern roles (e.g., AI, digital marketing) aligned with industry needs.
- Holistic Development: Modules on health, hygiene, financial literacy, life skills, and legal awareness (e.g: POSH & POCSO).
- Promote Employability and Entrepreneurship: Internships, apprenticeships, job placements, and self-employment resources.
- Gender-Inclusive Skilling: Female-friendly training spaces with stipends and flexible schedules; encourages girls in non-traditional sectors like cybersecurity.
- Bridge Education and Livelihood: Links education to sustainable livelihoods, especially in remote and Aspirational Districts.
- Significance:
- Bridges the Gender Gap: Promotes women’s participation in non-traditional skills and industries, fostering gender equality in emerging sectors.
- Targets Underserved Regions: Focuses on empowering girls from remote and vulnerable areas, ensuring equal opportunities.
- Boosts Girls’ Economic Participation: Enhances the involvement of girls in economic growth, contributing to nation-building and socio-economic development.
Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY)
- Launched on 15th July 2015, the Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY) promotes skill development by offering free, short-term training and monetary rewards for youth skill certification.
- PMKVY 2016-2020 expanded its sectoral and geographic reach, aligning with national initiatives like Make in India and Digital India to enhance industry relevance and youth employability.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the NAVYA initiative?
It is a joint effort by the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) and the Ministry of Women and Child Development (MWCD) to provide skill training and holistic development to adolescent girls aged 16–18 .
2. Which sectors and skills does NAVYA focus on?
NAVYA offers training in emerging and non-traditional sectors like AI-enabled services, cybersecurity, digital marketing, drone assembly, and CCTV installation.
3. How does NAVYA empower adolescent girls beyond vocational skills?
It integrates life skills, health and nutrition, financial literacy, workplace safety (POSH & POCSO awareness), to ensure holistic development and socio-economic independence.
UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Questions (PYQs)
Prelims:
Q. With reference to Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana, consider the following statements: (2018)
- It is the flagship scheme of the Ministry of Labour and Employment.
- It, among other things, will also impart training in soft skills, entrepreneurship, and financial and digital literacy.
- It aims to align the competencies of the unregulated workforce of the country to the National Skill Qualification Framework.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 3 only
(b) 2 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Ans: (c)
DAC Greenlights Multi-Domain Capability Upgrades for Armed Forces
07-08-2025
Source: IE
The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) chaired by the Defence Minister has approved capital acquisition proposals worth ₹67,000 crore, enhancing combat readiness across the Army, Navy, and Air Force.
Defence Acquisition Council (DAC)
- It is chaired by the Union Minister of Defense that gives 'in principle' approval to capital acquisitions, monitors major project progress, and grants acceptance of necessity for acquisition proposals.
- It was formed after recommendations made by the Group of Ministers on 'Reforming the National Security System' in 2001, post-Kargil war.
Read More: Defence Acquisition Council
High-Efficiency Material for Next-Gen Energy Storage
07-07-2025
Source: PIB
Centre for Nano and Soft Matter Sciences (CeNS), Bengaluru & Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) have developed a lanthanum-doped silver niobate-based energy storage material, which has enhanced the performance of supercapacitors.
Lanthanum-Doped Silver Niobate Energy Storage Material:
- About: It is an advanced nanostructured compound made by doping silver niobate (AgNbO₃), a lead-free and eco-friendly perovskite material, with lanthanum, a rare-earth element.
- Significance:
- This doping has reduced nanoparticle size, increasing the surface area for energy storage, and improved electrical conductivity for faster charge-discharge cycles.
- It also ensured excellent energy retention (118%) with no energy loss during use (100% coulombic efficiency).
- It is also environmentally friendly, being lead-free and suitable for green energy applications.
- Applications: Used in portable electronics, electric vehicles (EVs), and renewable energy systems, demonstrated potential by successfully powering an LCD display through a prototype supercapacitor.
Supercapacitors:
- Supercapacitors, also known as ultracapacitors, are energy storage devices that bridge the gap between conventional capacitors and batteries.
- They offer high power density, rapid charge-discharge, and a long lifecycle (millions of cycles).
- Unlike batteries, they store energy through electrostatic charge separation rather than chemical reactions, making them safer and more durable.
- They have lower energy density than batteries, but this can be improved through material doping, such as with lanthanum-doped silver niobate.

Bonn Climate Change Conference 2025
07-07-2025
Source: IE
Why in News?
The 62nd annual session of the Bonn Climate Change Conference was held in Bonn, Germany. This mid-year meeting sets the stage for key climate negotiations ahead of the 30th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) in Belem, Brazil.
What is the Bonn Climate Change Conference?
- About: The Bonn Climate Change Conference is a mid-year summit held under the UNFCCC, the 1992 treaty guiding global climate negotiations.
- Formally called the Sessions of the Subsidiary Bodies (SBs), it is one of the two regular UNFCCC climate meetings alongside COP.
- It brings together SB members and committees, Indigenous groups, international organisations, scientists, and civil society to review implementation, hold technical discussions, and set the agenda for the upcoming COP summit.
- Key Players:
- Subsidiary Body for Implementation (SBI) of UNFCCC: Reviews implementation, facilitates technical and financial support, especially for developing nations.
- Subsidiary Body for Scientific and Technological Advice (SBSTA) of UNFCCC: Provides scientific inputs from UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) to negotiators and policymakers.
What are the Key Takeaways from the Bonn Conference 2025?
- Global Goal on Adaptation (GGA): Progress was made on refining indicators for the GGA, but disagreements over finance and Means of Implementation (MoI) delayed consensus. A draft list of 100 indicators is expected at COP30.
- The GGA, first outlined in the Paris Agreement (2015), aims to enhance adaptive capacity and climate resilience. However, it lacked concrete action until COP28 in Dubai, where a framework to define and implement the GGA was finally adopted.
- Just Transition Work Programme (JTWP): Bonn saw significant movement on the JTWP, negotiators agreed to establish a Belém Action Mechanism to share fair transition strategies.
- The JTWP is a UNFCCC initiative launched at COP27 (2022) through the Sharm el Sheikh Implementation Plan.
- It aims to ensure that climate actions under the Paris Agreement are just, equitable, and aligned with national development goals considering social, economic, and workforce impact and is specifically aimed at supporting workers and communities affected by the shift away from fossil fuels.
- National Climate Plans: Most countries missed the February 2025 deadline for submitting updated Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), slowing efforts to limit global warming to 1.5°C.
- Brazil urged nations to submit stronger NDCs by September 2025 to align with the 1.5°C target. However, the current submissions remain insufficient, possibly pushing warming closer to 2°C.
- Climate Finance: Disputes over climate finance were intense, with developing nations (India) pressing for the fulfillment of pledges, including the mobilization of USD 1.3 trillion every year till 2030
- Wealthier countries suggested private finance as a solution, but critics argued that public grants were essential.
- Developing countries prefer a finance-centric dialogue and emphasize inclusion of Article 9.1 of the Paris Agreement (obligation of developed countries to provide financial support).
- According to the Climate Policy Initiative (an advisory organization), global climate finance must rise to around USD 9 trillion annually by 2030 to keep global temperature increases within the targets set by the Paris Agreement.
- Loss and Damage: The conference noted that the Loss and Damage Fund remains underfunded, with only USD 768 million pledged, far from the USD 1 trillion needed.
- Despite the pledges, governments have so far signed contribution agreements for USD 495 million and have paid in only USD 321 million.
Nationally Determined Contributions
- About: NDCs are country-specific climate action plans to cut emissions and adapt to climate change under the Paris Agreement, updated every five years.
- The existing NDCs, submitted in 2020, pertain to the 2030 period, with 2035 submissions by February 2025. The 2035 NDC must build on the 2030 targets, but countries set their own progression based on resources.
- India and NDCs: India submitted its first NDC in 2015, targeting a 33–35% reduction in emission intensity of GDP and 40% non-fossil fuel-based power capacity by 2030. Both targets were achieved ahead of schedule—by October 2023, non-fossil fuel capacity reached 43.81%, and emission intensity had reduced by 33% by 2019.
- In August 2022, India updated its NDCs, targeting a 45% reduction in emission intensity of GDP, 50% non-fossil fuel power capacity, and an additional 2.5–3 billion tonnes of carbon sink through forest and tree cover by 2030.
- According to India’s 4th Biennial Update Report (BUR-4) (2024), emission intensity had reduced by 36%, non-fossil fuel capacity reached 47.10% by December 2024, and 2.29 billion tonnes of carbon sink had been created.

|
Drishti Mains Question:
Discuss the role of international climate negotiations like the Bonn Climate Change Conference in strengthening global environmental governance.
|
UPSC Civil Services Examination Previous Year Question (PYQ)
Prelims:
Q. With reference to the Agreement at the UNFCCC Meeting in Paris in 2015, which of the following statements is/are correct? (2016)
- The Agreement was signed by all the member countries of the UN, and it will go into effect in 2017.
- The Agreement aims to limit the greenhouse gas emissions so that the rise in average global temperature by the end of this century does not exceed 2ºC or even 1.5ºC above pre-industrial levels.
- Developed countries acknowledged their historical responsibility in global warming and committed to donate $ 1000 billion a year from 2020 to help developing countries to cope with climate change.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) 1 and 3 only
(b) 2 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Ans: B
Mains:
Q. Describe the major outcomes of the 26th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). What are the commitments made by India in this conference? (2021)
Q. Explain the purpose of the Green Grid Initiative launched at the World Leaders Summit of the COP26 UN Climate Change Conference in Glasgow in November 2021. When was this idea first floated in the International Solar Alliance (ISA)? (2021)
Design Linked Incentive (DLI) Scheme
07-01-2026
Source: PIB
Why in News?
India’s Design Linked Incentive (DLI) Scheme for Semiconductors has shown strong on-ground outcomes, highlighting rapid progress in building a self-reliant semiconductor design ecosystem amid global supply-chain vulnerabilities.
What are the Key Facts About the Design Linked Incentive (DLI) Scheme?
- About: The DLI Scheme is a central government initiative implemented by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) under the Semicon India Programme to promote indigenous semiconductor chip design by providing financial incentives and advanced design infrastructure to domestic startups and MSMEs.
- Objective: The DLI scheme aims to create a globally competitive, self-reliant chip design ecosystem focused on fabless semiconductor design.
- Fabless semiconductor design means designing and developing semiconductor chips without owning manufacturing plants, with fabrication outsourced to specialised foundries.
- Need for DLI Scheme: Fabless semiconductor companies occupy the most strategic position in the electronics value chain, as design and IP contribute over half of a chip’s value, account for up to 50% of value addition and 20–50% of the Bill of Materials, and drive nearly 30–35% of global semiconductor sales.
- Since design and IP determine performance, efficiency, security, and long-term competitiveness, the absence of indigenous design capabilities leaves countries dependent on imported core technologies even with local manufacturing, underscoring the need to build a strong domestic fabless ecosystem through the DLI Scheme.
- Eligibility The DLI Scheme covers startups (as per Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) notification, 2019), MSMEs (as per MSME notification, 2020), and domestic companies owned by resident Indian citizens in line with Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) Policy Circular, 2017 or extant norms.
- This inclusive design allows participation across stages of enterprise maturity.
- Scope of Support: Support is provided across the entire semiconductor design lifecycle, including Integrated Circuits (ICs), chipsets, Systems-on-Chip (SoCs), systems, and IP cores.
- The scheme emphasises indigenous design, IP ownership, and deployment in electronic products.
- Financial Incentives: The scheme offers two major incentives. The Product Design Linked Incentive reimburses up to 50% of eligible expenditure, capped at ₹15 crore per application.
- The Deployment Linked Incentive provides 4–6% of net sales turnover for five years, capped at Rs 30 crore, subject to minimum sales and successful product deployment.
- Design Infrastructure Support: Provided through the ChipIN Centre operated by Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC).
- This includes access to advanced National EDA (Electronic Design Automation) Tool Grid, IP core repositories, MPW prototyping, and post-silicon validation, significantly lowering entry barriers for chip design.
- Key Achievements of DLI: Under the DLI scheme, 24 chip-design projects have been sanctioned across areas such as video surveillance, drone detection, energy meters, microprocessors, satellite communications, and broadband and Internet of Things System on a Chip (IoT SoC).
- The ChipIN Centre has democratised access to chip design infrastructure, supporting about 1 lakh engineers and students across 400 organisations, while the national EDA Grid has seen extensive usage, reflecting strong ecosystem adoption.

Key Institutional Frameworks for Semiconductor Design in India
- Semicon India Programme (SIM): With an outlay of Rs 76,000 crore, SIM supports semiconductor and display manufacturing as well as chip design.
- Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC) acts as the nodal implementing agency.
- Chips to Startup (C2S) Programme: A national capacity-building initiative across academic institutions to create ~85,000 industry-ready professionals at BTech, MTech, and PhD levels in semiconductor chip design.
- Microprocessor Development Programme: Led by C-DAC, IIT Madras, and IIT Bombay, this programme has delivered open-source, indigenous microprocessors such as VEGA, SHAKTI, and AJIT, advancing technological self-reliance.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the Design Linked Incentive (DLI) Scheme?
It is a central government scheme implemented by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology under the Semicon India Programme to promote indigenous semiconductor chip design via incentives and shared infrastructure.
2. Why is the DLI Scheme necessary for India?
Design and IP contribute over half of a chip’s value, up to 50% value addition, and 20–50% of BOM, while fabless firms drive ~30–35% of global sales—making indigenous design critical for competitiveness and security.
3. Who is eligible under the DLI Scheme?
Startups (DPIIT), MSMEs, and domestic companies owned by resident Indian citizens as per FDI norms, enabling participation across enterprise maturity.
UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Question (PYQ)
Prelims:
Q. Which one of the following laser types is used in a laser printer? (2008)
(a) Dye laser
(b) Gas laser
(c) Semiconductor laser
(d) Excimer laser
Ans: (c)
Mains
Q. India aims to become a semiconductor manufacturing hub. What are the challenges faced by the semiconductor industry in India? Mention the salient features of the India Semiconductor Mission. (2025)
ICGS Samudra Pratap
07-01-2026
Source:TH
The Defence Minister commissioned Indian Coast Guard Ship (ICGS) Samudra Pratap, the first of two indigenously constructed pollution control vessels for the Indian Coast Guard, marking a significant step in strengthening India’s marine environmental protection capabilities.
- Designed for pollution response operations within the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and beyond, the vessel will be homeported at Kochi under the operational control of the Commander, Coast Guard Region (West).
- ICGS Samudra Pratap: It is built by Goa Shipyard Limited, with over 60% indigenous content.
- ICGS Samudra Pratap, meaning “Majesty of the Seas”, symbolises the ICG’s commitment to safe, secure, and clean seas while safeguarding India’s maritime interests.
- The vessel, capable of speeds above 22 knots and an endurance of 6,000 nautical miles, is the largest ship in the ICG fleet.
- It functions as a multi-role platform for pollution response, oil spill containment, fire-fighting, maritime safety, coastal patrol, and surveillance.
- Equipped with advanced pollution detection systems, specialised response boats, modern firefighting equipment, and aviation facilities, including a helicopter hangar.
- It significantly strengthens marine environmental protection, safeguards coral reefs, mangroves, and fisheries, and supports the blue economy.
Popocatépetl Volcano
07-01-2026
Source:TH
A National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM) has produced the first 3D seismic image of the internal structure of Mexico’s Popocatépetl volcano, improving understanding of magma movement and eruption behaviour in a high-risk volcanic zone.
- Artificial Intelligence and machine learning algorithms were used to classify and analyse seismic signals (tremors). The imaging reveals multiple magma reservoirs at different depths (up to 18 km below the crater) rather than a single magma chamber.
- The volcano functions as a “natural laboratory”, helping scientists refine models of volcanism, magma dynamics, and hazard mitigation.
- Popocatépetl Volcano: Also known as “Smoking Mountain”, it is a steep-sided stratovolcano in central Mexico, located on the border of the states of México and Puebla.
- It lies on the Trans-Mexican Volcanic Belt, formed due to the subduction of the Cocos Plate beneath the North American Plate.
- Rising to an elevation of 5,452 m above sea level, Popocatépetl is Mexico’s second-highest volcano after Pico de Orizaba, and is one of the country’s most active and dangerous volcanoes, with recorded eruptions since 1519, forming part of the Pacific Ring of Fire.
- The Pacific Ring of Fire, or Circum-Pacific Belt, is a horseshoe-shaped zone of intense seismic and volcanic activity around the Pacific Ocean, accounting for ~75% of active volcanoes and ~90% of earthquakes worldwide.

Wolf Supermoon
07-01-2026
Source: TH
The first full moon of 2026, the Wolf Supermoon, peaked on 2nd January, highlighting a full moon that appeared slightly larger and brighter. A Wolf Supermoon is a combined term referring to the occurrence of the Wolf Moon at the time of a Supermoon.
- The Wolf Moon is the traditional name for January’s first full moon, rooted in indigenous, Celtic and Old English folklore, and popularised by almanacs such as the Old Farmer’s Almanac.
- It is associated with mid-winter beliefs of wolves being heard howling more frequently, though the Moon itself undergoes no physical change.
- Wolf supermoons are relatively uncommon and occur only when the January full moon aligns with a supermoon.
- A Supermoon occurs when the Moon reaches its closest point to the Earth at the same time that it is in its full phase, making it appear slightly larger and brighter in the night sky.
- As the Moon travels around the Earth in an elliptical orbit, it passes through two distinct points in its orbit: perigee, the point of closest approach, and apogee, the point of farthest distance.
- A common visual effect during a supermoon is the moon illusion, which makes the Moon appear larger near the horizon due to human perception of distance and scale rather than any physical change in the Moon.

Gaganyaan: ISRO’s Parachute Test Boosts Human-Rating Standards
06-12-2025
Source: PIB
Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has successfully conducted the Integrated Main Parachute Airdrop Test (IMAT) — a crucial milestone in preparing India’s first human spaceflight mission, Gaganyaan, scheduled for Q1 2027. The test reinforces ISRO’s human-rating protocols and astronaut safety preparedness.
Integrated Main Parachute Airdrop Test ( IMAT)
- About:
- IMAT is a crucial test conducted by ISRO for the Gaganyaan human spaceflight mission.
- It involves dropping the full-scale parachute system from a high altitude to verify its performance during re-entry and landing.
- Success of IMAT brings India closer to launching its first human spaceflight.
- Features:
- Simulates extreme descent conditions, including delayed parachute opening.
- Checks structural strength, load-bearing, and stability under stress.
- Crucial part of human-rating certification to ensure astronaut safety·
Gaganyaan Mission
- About: India’s first human spaceflight program, aiming to send a crew of 3 astronauts to Low Earth Orbit (LEO) at 400 km for 3 days and return them safely to Earth.
- Includes unmanned test missions followed by the first manned mission expected to happen in early 2027.
- Significance: Gaganyaan success will place India among the elite group of nations (US, Russia, China) with human spaceflight capability.
- Key Technologies for Crew Safety:
- Human-Rated Launch Vehicle (HLVM3): It is a modified version of ISRO's LVM3 rocket. It includes solid, liquid, and cryogenic stages, re-configured to meet human rating requirements.
- The rocket is capable of launching the Orbital Module to a Low Earth Orbit (400 km) and features a Crew Escape System (CES) with high burn rate solid motors to ensure crew safety during emergencies at launch or ascent.
- CES ensures safe abort in case of emergencies during launch or ascent.
- Orbital Module (OM): Houses the Crew Module (CM) and Service Module (SM) with life support, avionics, and propulsion systems.
- The CM is a habitable space with an Earth-like environment, with a pressurized inner structure and unpressurized external structure.
- The SM supports the CM in orbit, providing thermal, propulsion, power systems, avionics, and deployment mechanisms, but remains unpressurized.
India-US Tax Treaty Tussle
06-12-2025
Source: ET
A proposed shift in the US interpretation of the India-US Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement (DTAA) threatens to remove critical tax benefits for returning Indian professionals, retirees, and remote workers.
- Current Benefit: RNOR status allows such individuals to be taxed only on income accruing or received in India; foreign income (e.g. US salary, dividends, interest, capital gains) remains untaxed in India during the RNOR period.
- Eligibility for RNOR: Must satisfy criteria such as spending 120–182 days in India, or being an NRI in 9 of 10 previous years, or spending ≤729 days in 7 preceding years.
- Impending Change: The US, citing a new OECD Commentary, may no longer recognize RNORs as Indian "tax residents" for the treaty, as India does not tax their global income during this status.
- Impacts: This would strip RNORs of treaty benefits, leading to a jump in US withholding tax rates (e.g., dividends taxed at 30% vs. 15-25%, interest at 30% vs. 15%).
- It jeopardizes existing cross-border investment structures and necessitates urgent financial re-evaluation for affected individuals, despite no change in India's domestic tax law.
- Legal Weight: While the OECD Commentary is not binding, its persuasive authority is strong, especially as both India and the US engage with the OECD framework, making the shift a credible threat.
Exercise Harimau Shakti 2025
06-12-2025
Source: PIB
The 5th edition of the India-Malaysia bilateral military Exercise Harimau Shakti 2025 commenced in Rajasthan to enhance interoperability in counter-terrorism and peacekeeping scenarios.
- Participants in 2025: Indian Dogra Regiment and Malaysia’s 25th Battalion Royal Malaysian Army.
Exercise Harimau Shakti
- About: Exercise Harimau Shakti is a bilateral military exercise between the Indian Army and the Malaysian Army. It focuses on jungle warfare and counter-insurgency operations.
- Started in 2012, it reinforces India’s Act East Policy and commitment to global peacekeeping frameworks.
- Objective & Mandate: Joint rehearsal of Sub-Conventional Operations under UN Chapter VII mandate, emphasizing counter-terrorist drills like cordon/search, heliborne operations, and casualty evacuation. Army Martial Arts Routine (AMAR), combat reflex shooting and Yoga is also part of the exercise curriculum.
- UN Chapter VII authorizes military/non-military actions (sanctions, blockades, troop deployment) for international peace enforcement.
Other Military Exercises Between India and Malaysia:

Operation ‘WeedOut’
06-11-2025
Source: PIB
Operation ‘WeedOut’ by the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) at Mumbai Airport seized high-grade hydroponic cannabis smuggled from Bangkok under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985.
- Hydroponic cannabis refers to the process of growing cannabis plants in a water-based, nutrient-rich solution, rather than soil.
- The operation, code-named “WeedOut,” aims to curb the smuggling of drugs.
- Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI): It is the apex anti-smuggling agency of India, constituted in 1957 under the Central Board of Indirect Taxes & Customs, Ministry of Finance.
- It combats drug trafficking, wildlife and environmental contraband, customs duty evasion, and other international trade frauds.
- DRI enforces the provisions of the Customs Act, 1962 and over fifty other allied Acts including the Arms Act (1959), NDPS Act (1985), COFEPOSA (1974), Antiquities and Art Treasures Act (1972) etc.
- DRI also runs operations like “Operation Fire Trail,” which targets the illegal import of Chinese fireworks.
- NDPS Act, 1985: It is India’s principal law to control and regulate operations related to narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances.
- It prohibits the production, possession, sale, purchase, transport, storage, and consumption of narcotic and psychotropic substances, except for medical or scientific purposes under a licence.
India’s First Cooperative Compressed Biogas Plant
06-10-2025
Source: PIB
Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation inaugurated India’s first cooperative multi-feed Compressed Biogas (CBG) plant in Kopargaon, Maharashtra.
- The plant will produce 12 tons of CBG daily and 75 tons of potash from jaggery/molasses, reducing imports.
- Compressed Biogas (CBG): It is a renewable fuel produced from biomass and organic waste (agricultural residue, cattle dung, sugarcane press mud, sewage) via anaerobic decomposition (breakdown of organic matter by bacteria in the absence of oxygen).
- Properties: Similar calorific value (amount of energy released on complete combustion) to CNG. CBG can replace CNG in automotive, industrial, and commercial sectors.
- CBG Benefits:
- Eco-Friendly: Cleaner alternative to fossil fuels, supporting India’s target of net zero emissions by 2070.
- Waste Management: Converts organic waste into fuel, reducing pollution and promoting a circular economy.
- Energy Security: Reduces oil imports and increases the share of natural gas in India’s energy mix (currently ~6%, targeted 15% by 2030).
- India’s Initiatives:
- SATAT (Sustainable Alternative Towards Affordable Transportation) Scheme: Aims to produce CBG by utilizing 62 Million Metric Tonnes of annual waste, thereby reducing import dependence, generating jobs, and lowering vehicular emissions and pollution.
- National Cooperative Development Corporation (NCDC): Plans to support 15 sugar mills via NCDC for CBG and potash units.
|
Feature
|
CBG (Compressed Biogas)
|
CNG (Compressed Natural Gas)
|
|
Source
|
Produced from biomass and organic waste.
|
Extracted from fossil fuels (natural gas fields)
|
|
Environmental Impact
|
Eco-friendly, reduces air pollution (e.g., stubble burning), utilizes waste, supports circular economy
|
Cleaner than petrol/diesel but fossil fuel-based, contributes to greenhouse gas emissions if not captured efficiently.
|
|
Dependence on Imports
|
Can be produced domestically from local biomass, reducing import dependence
|
Import dependency in the case of natural gas was at 50.8% in FY25, increasing foreign dependence
|
|
Commercial Viability
|
Supports rural employment and renewable energy initiatives
|
Conventional energy source, limited scope for rural livelihood creation
|
Pandit Chhannulal Mishra: Thumri Maestro Passes Away
06-10-2025
Source: TH
Pandit Chhannulal Mishra, the legendary Hindustani classical vocalist and doyen of the Banaras Gharana, has died, leaving behind a rich legacy in semi-classical forms like Thumri, Dadra, Chaiti, and Kajria.
- Renowned for his mastery of the Purab Ang style of Thumri, he was honoured with the Padma Bhushan in 2010 and the Padma Vibhushan in 2020.
Thumri
- About: Thumri, a semi-classical music form of North India, emerged in the 19th century under Nawab Wajid Ali Shah’s patronage and is celebrated for its emotional depth, melodic beauty, and expressive storytelling.
- After Awadh’s fall in 1856, its center moved to Banaras, gaining a spiritual and devotional tone (Radha-Krishna theme).
- Distinct Feature: Emphasizes bhava (emotion) and allows freedom in improvisation, rather than strict adherence to raga rules.
- Influences: Incorporates elements from Hori, Kajri, Dadra, Jhoola, Chaiti, and other folk or semi-classical forms.
- Forms of Thumri:
- Purbi Thumri (Eastern/Slow tempo): Lyrical and deeply emotional, primarily linked with the Banaras Gharana.
- Punjabi Thumri (Fast tempo): Energetic and lively, associated with the Patiala Gharana.
- Major Gharanas: Banaras Gharana, Lucknow Gharana, and Patiala Gharana.
Hindustani Classical Music
- About: Hindustani music, practiced mainly in North India, is one of the two main schools of Indian classical music, the other being Carnatic music from South India.
- Core Features & Styles: It is largely vocal-centric, with Dhrupad and Khayal representing Classical Hindustani, while Thumri, Dhamar, Tarana, Tappa, Qawwali, and Ghazal are Semiclassical Hindustani styles.

Exercise KONKAN 2025
06-10-2025
Source: TH
The Indian Navy and the UK Royal Navy have commenced the bilateral Exercise KONKAN-25 off India’s western coast, marking two decades of growing naval interoperability
- Exercise KONKAN: First held in 2004, Exercise Konkan is an annual bilateral maritime exercise.
- The 2025 edition is the first-ever exercise to feature both nations’ Carrier Strike Groups (the UK’s HMS Prince of Wales and India’s INS Vikrant)
- The exercise includes a Harbour Phase with professional exchanges and visits, and a Sea Phase featuring anti-air, anti-surface, and anti-submarine drills with flying operations.
- Strategic Objective: Reinforces the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership under the India–UK Vision 2035, and commitment to a free, open, and secure Indo-Pacific.
- Significance: The exercise consolidates strategic ties, enhances interoperability, and underscores a shared commitment to maritime security.
- Other Exercises Between India and UK: Exercise Cobra Warrior, Exercise Indradhanush (Air Force), AJEYA WARRIOR (Indian Army)

Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) Agreement
06-09-2025
Source: IE
Why in News?
The Ministry of Earth Sciences has set up a 12 member panel to implement a new law to safeguard its interests in international ocean waters, aligning with the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) Agreement (High Seas Treaty) agreement.
What is the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) Agreement ?
- About: The BBJN Agreement or High Seas Treaty is a legal framework under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) to safeguard the ecological health of oceans.
- Adopted in 2023, it aims to curb pollution, conserve biodiversity, and ensure sustainable use of marine resources in waters beyond national boundaries.
- Scope of the Treaty:
- Establish Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) like national parks and wildlife sanctuaries to regulate activities and conserve ocean ecosystems.
- Regulates extractive activities such as seabed mining & ensures fair distribution of benefits from marine resources and organisms.
- Make EIAs mandatory for major oceanic projects that may harm the high seas, even if carried out within national waters.
- Support developing nations in accessing marine technologies and resources while ensuring conservation.
- Signing and Ratification: As of August 2025, over 140 countries have signed the treaty and 55 have ratified it.
- India has signed the BBNJ Agreement in 2024 but has not yet ratified it.
- Signing shows intent, while ratification legally binds a country to the treaty, with the process differing across nations.


High Seas
- About: High seas refer to regions beyond the national jurisdiction of any country.
- Generally, national jurisdictions extend up to 200 nautical miles (370 km) from a country's coastline, known as the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).
- No country has jurisdiction or responsibility for resource management in these waters.
- Only about 1% of the high seas are currently protected.
- Significance: The high seas cover 64% of oceans and 50% of Earth’s surface & are vital for marine biodiversity, climate regulation, carbon absorption, solar energy storage, and heat distribution.
- They provide key resources like seafood, raw materials, genetic resources, and medicinal compounds.

United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS)
- UNCLOS, also called Law of the Sea, is an international treaty adopted and signed in 1982, replacing the 1958 Geneva Conventions.
- It provides the legal framework for marine and maritime activities.

- It divides ocean space into 5 zones- Internal Waters, Territorial Sea, Contiguous Zone, Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), and High Seas.

UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Questions (PYQs)
Prelims
Q. With reference to the ‘Trans-Pacific Partnership’, consider the following statements: (2016)
- It is an agreement among all the Pacific Rim countries except China and Russia.
- It is a strategic alliance for the purpose of maritime security only.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Ans: (d)
Q. With reference to ‘Indian Ocean Rim Association for Regional Cooperation (IOR-ARC)’, consider the following statements: (2015)
- It was established very recently in response to incidents of piracy and accidents of oil spills.
- It is an alliance meant for maritime security only.
Which of the statements given above is/ are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Ans: (d)
Mains
Q. With respect to the South China sea, maritime territorial disputes and rising tension affirm the need for safeguarding maritime security to ensure freedom of navigation and overflight throughout the region. In this context, discuss the bilateral issues between India and China. (2014)

Environment Audit Rules, 2025
06-09-2025
Source: PIB
Why in News?
The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) has notified the Environment Audit Rules, 2025 under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, to establish a comprehensive framework for environmental accountability across India.
What are the Key Features of the Environment Audit Rules, 2025?
- Certification and Registration of Environmental Auditors: Environment Auditors (EAs) are to be Certified and Registered by the MoEFCC-notified Environment Audit Designated Agency (EADA). EADA is responsible for:
- Certification, registration, and oversight of auditors.
- Monitoring performance and providing training.
- Taking disciplinary action when required.
- Registered Environment Auditors (REAs): Audits will be conducted by Registered Environment Auditors (REAs).
- REAs will be assigned projects randomly to ensure impartiality.
- REAs will undertake activities including sampling, analysis, compensation calculation, and audits under various environmental and forest-related legislations.
- Two-Tiered System of Compliance:
- Tier-1: Government regulators (CPCB, SPCBs, MoEFCC regional offices) will review compliance.
- Tier-2: Audits will be conducted by REAs for third-party verification.
- Oversight and Monitoring: A Steering Committee, led by an Additional Secretary from MoEFCC, will oversee the implementation of these rules.

UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Questions (PYQs)
Prelims
Q1. Which of the following can be threats to the biodiversity of a geographical area? (2012)
- Global warming
- Fragmentation of habitat
- Invasion of alien species
- Promotion of vegetarianism
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
(a) 1, 2 and 3 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 4 only
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
Ans: (a)
Q2. Biodiversity forms the basis for human existence in the following ways: (2011)
- Soil formation
- Prevention of soil erosion
- Recycling of waste
- Pollination of crops
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
(a) 1, 2 and 3 only
(b) 2, 3 and 4 only
(c) 1 and 4 only
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
Ans: (d)
Bioproducts
06-09-2025
Source: IE
Why in News?
The Department of Biotechnology (DBT), under its BioE3 Policy, is setting up 16 biomanufacturing hubs across India to boost domestic production of bioproducts such as APIs, biofuel enzymes, reagents for biofertilizers.
- These hubs, also known as National Bio-Enablers or Mulankur, are specialized facilities supporting indigenous production of bioproducts and fostering innovation across sectors like health, agriculture, energy, environment, and AI-driven biomanufacturing.
What are Bioproducts?
- About: Bioproducts are fuels, materials, and chemicals derived from renewable biomass such as crops, trees, algae, and agricultural waste.
- Eg: Biofuels (ethanol, biogas), bioplastics, bio-based cosmetics, and plant-derived medicines.
- Types of Bioproducts:

- Production Methods: Generated using fermentation, pyrolysis, enzymatic conversion, or chemical synthesis.
- They are made from soybeans, sugarcane, algae, mycelium, etc., and often use agri-forestry residues, reducing stress on food crops. Eg: Sunflower residue converted into biofuel.
- Significance:
- Reduce fossil fuel dependence and help mitigate air pollution, deforestation, and biodiversity loss.
- Promote climate-resilient development through biotechnological innovation.
- Extend beyond laboratories to support sustainability via biodegradable packaging and eco-friendly products, while also generating rural employment and fostering green jobs.
- Biodegradability: Not all bioproducts are biodegradable, it varies by use (e.g., bio-based paint is not biodegradable).

Did You Know?
- Despite being the world’s 3rd largest pharmaceutical producer (volume) and the largest supplier of generic drugs, India relies heavily on imports for key bioproducts.
- Nearly 70% of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) are sourced from China, with India being 100% dependent on China for 45 out of 58 critical APIs.
UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Question (PYQ)
Prelims
Q. Other than resistance to pests, what are the prospects for which genetically engineered plants have been created? (2012)
- To enable them to withstand drought
- To increase the nutritive value of the produce
- To enable them to grow and do photosynthesis in spaceships and space stations
- To increase their shelf life
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 3 and 4 only
(c) 1, 2 and 4 only
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
Ans: (c)

China’s People-Centred Global Governance Initiatives
06-01-2026
Source: TH
At the 25th Shanghai Cooperation Organization Tianjin Summit, 2025, China proposed the Global Governance Initiative (GGI), building on its earlier Global Development Initiative (2021), Global Security Initiative (2022), and Global Civilization Initiative (2023).
- The four initiatives place people at the centre of global governance, focusing on tangible welfare gains and dignity. They aim to reform global governance through shared development, common security, and inclusive cooperation.
- Global Governance Initiative (GGI): It calls for a more just and equitable global governance system, with inclusive reforms that deliver tangible improvements in people’s well-being.
- Global Development Initiative (GDI): It focuses on people-centred development by protecting livelihoods and ensuring equitable sharing of growth benefits, aligned with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, and development cooperation.
- Global Security Initiative (GSI): Emphasises peace through dialogue and consultation, respecting sovereign development paths.
- Global Civilization Initiative (GCI): Promotes mutual respect among civilisations and shared human values.
- Strategic implication: The four initiatives collectively project China’s alternative vision of multilateralism, challenging existing global governance structures while appealing to the Global South.
India’s People-centric Global Initiatives
- International Solar Alliance (ISA): Focuses on climate justice, affordable energy access, and sustainable development for developing countries.
- Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI): Promotes resilient infrastructure to protect livelihoods and reduce disaster risks, particularly in vulnerable regions.
- Mission LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment): Global movement encouraging behavioural change and sustainable consumption through people-led climate action.
- Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) Model: India’s advocacy of open, inclusive digital public goods (payments, identity, service delivery) to improve governance and inclusion worldwide.
- Vaccine Maitri: Treats health as a global public good, supporting equitable access during crises.
- Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam (G20, 2023): India’s G20 theme emphasised people-centric, inclusive, and sustainable development, especially for the Global South.
Somnath Swabhiman Parv
06-01-2026
Source: BL
Why in News?
The Prime Minister stated that the thousand-year survival of the Somnath temple symbolizes India's indomitable spirit, as the nation celebrates Somnath Swabhiman Parv (1026–2026) for a millennium of unbroken faith and resilience.
What are the Key Facts Regarding the Somnath Temple?
- About: The Somnath Temple, located at Prabhas Patan on Gujarat’s coast, is the first Jyotirling among the 12 holy Shiva Jyotirlingas, as stated in the Shiva Purana and Dwadasha Jyotirling Stotram.
- References to the temple are found in ancient texts like Skandpuran, Shreemad Bhagavat, Shivpuran, and the Rig-Veda.
- It is also the Neejdham Prasthan Leela site where Lord Shri Krishna took his last journey.
- Identified as a Tirthdham of immense antiquity, revered alongside Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati in Vedic literature.
- Construction: According to tradition, it was built in phases—first in gold by Somraj (Moon God), then in silver by Ravana, later in wood by Lord Krishna.
- King Bhimdev I (or Bhima I) of the Solanki dynasty rebuilt the temple in stone after its destruction by Mahmud of Ghazni in 1026 CE.
- Geographical Significance: Situated at the confluence of Kapila, Hiran, and Saraswati rivers with the Arabian Sea.
- Abadhit Samudra Marg (Tirth Stambh) indicates an uninterrupted sea route to the South Pole, with the nearest landmass ~9,936 km away, reflecting ancient Indian geographical knowledge.
- Architectural Features: It is built in the Kailas Mahameru Prasad style. The structure includes Garbhgruh, Sabhamandap, and Nrityamandap. It has a 155-foot-high Shikhar.
- Cycles of Destruction & Rebuilding: First major attack in 1026 AD by Mahmud of Ghazni; documented by Persian scholar Al-Biruni.
- The temple was looted and destroyed multiple times, including in 1026, 1297, 1394, and 1706 CE (Aurangzeb). 2026 marks 1,000 years since the first attack, a significant civilisational milestone.
- The 7th existing temple was rebuilt post-independence as a symbol of national resurgence. Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel initiated the reconstruction in 1947. The Pran-Pratistha was performed by President Dr. Rajendra Prasad on 11th May, 1951. Reconstruction was supported by KM Munshi, author of “Somanatha: The Shrine Eternal”.
- Cultural and Intellectual Significance: Visited by Swami Vivekananda in 1890s, who described Somnath as embodying India’s national life-current—destroyed and reborn repeatedly.
- Revered by saints across traditions, including Jain Acharya Hemchandracharya.
- Maintained ritual continuity by Maharani Ahilyabai Holkar during adverse political conditions.
- Core Civilisational Message: Somnath symbolises faith over fanaticism, creation over destruction, and the eternity of Indian civilisation, echoing the Gita’s message of the indestructible soul.

Kailas Mahameru Prasad Style
- About: It refers to a distinctive form of Hindu temple architecture primarily associated with the Chalukya (or Chaulukya/Solanki) tradition, prominent in western India, particularly Gujarat.
- Exemplar and Symbolism: The term Kailas Mahameru Prasad evokes the temple's design as a grand edifice symbolizing Mount Kailasa (abode of Shiva) and Mount Meru (the cosmic mountain in Hindu cosmology), emphasizing a towering, majestic shikhara (spire) and intricate craftsmanship.
- Key Architectural Characteristics: It falls under the broader Nagara school of North Indian temple architecture but incorporates regional elements from the Chalukya/Solanki period (often classified under Māru-Gurjara architecture).
- Features include a high shikhara (around 50 meters in Somnath), elaborate carvings, a garbhagriha (sanctum), sabha mandapa (assembly hall), and nritya mandapa (dance hall).
- The style showcases the expertise of Gujarat's traditional master masons, known as Sompura Salats.
12 Jyotirlingas and their Location
|
Name
|
City
|
State
|
|
Somnath
|
Prabhas Patan
|
Gujarat
|
|
Mallikarjuna
|
Srisailam
|
Andhra Pradesh
|
|
Mahakaleshwar
|
Ujjain
|
Madhya Pradesh
|
|
Omkareshwar
|
Mandhata Island
|
Madhya Pradesh
|
|
Kedarnath
|
Kedarnath
|
Uttarakhand
|
|
Bhimashankar
|
Pune (Khed)
|
Maharashtra
|
|
Kashi Vishwanath
|
Varanasi
|
Uttar Pradesh
|
|
Trimbakeshwar
|
Trimbak
|
Maharashtra
|
|
Baidyanath
|
Deoghar
|
Jharkhand
|
|
Nageshwar
|
Dwarka
|
Gujarat
|
|
Rameshwaram
|
Rameshwaram
|
Tamil Nadu
|
|
Grishneshwar
|
Ellora
|
Maharashtra
|

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the historical significance of the year 1026 CE for Somnath?
It marks the first major invasion and destruction of the temple by Mahmud of Ghazni, an event commemorated a millennium later by the Somnath Swabhiman Parv (1026-2026).
2. Who led the reconstruction of Somnath Temple after Independence?
Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel initiated reconstruction in 1947; Pran-Pratistha was performed by Dr Rajendra Prasad in 1951.
3. What is Abadhit Samudra Marg at Somnath?
It is a sea-facing axis (Tirth Stambh) indicating an uninterrupted sea route to the South Pole (~9,936 km).
UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Questions (PYQs)
Q. The Prime Minister recently inaugurated the new Circuit House near Somnath Temple at Veraval. Which of the following statements are correct regarding Somnath Temple?
- Somnath Temple is one of the Jyotirlinga shrines.
- A description of Somnath Temple was given by Al-Biruni.
- Pran Pratishtha of Somnath Temple (installation of the present day temple) was done by President S. Radhakrishnan.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Ans: (a)
Green Paradox in Urban Greening
06-01-2026
Source:TH
A global study covering 761 cities across 105 countries, including India, shows that urban greening does not always cool cities and that poorly planned tree and vegetation planting can worsen heat, particularly in dry and water-scarce regions.
- Urban Heat Drivers: Cities are heating up due to global climate change and the urban heat island effec, where concrete and asphalt trap more heat than surrounding rural areas.
- Temperature Regulation Capability: The study used a metric called Temperature Regulation Capability, defined as the temperature difference between vegetated surfaces and built-up surfaces such as concrete and asphalt.
-
A negative value indicates that vegetation is cooler than built-up areas (cooling effect), while a positive value indicates that vegetation is warmer (warming effect), helping the study assess when and where urban greening reduces or intensifies city heat.
-
Study Findings: Overall, vegetation cooled most cities, but nearly one-fourth of cities, mainly with low rainfall (<1,000 mm), experienced net warming instead.
-
Green Paradox in Dry Regions: In arid and semi-arid cities, limited water availability weakens evapotranspiration (release of water vapour), reducing the cooling effect of vegetation.
-
At the same time, vegetation can absorb more solar radiation than some built surfaces, which can increase surface temperatures.
-
During heat stress and low humidity, plants further restrict water loss, sharply cutting evaporative cooling and intensifying urban heat.
-
This is crucial for India, where many cities require climate-appropriate vegetation and integrated heat-mitigation planning.
Govt Lifts Import Curbs on Low Ash Metallurgical Coke
06-01-2026
Source:BL
India has withdrawn import restrictions on low ash metallurgical coke (ash content below 18%) after imposing a provisional anti-dumping duty, balancing trade protection with assured raw material availability for the steel sector.
- Earlier, in December 2025, the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) had extended import restrictions on low ash metallurgical coke from 1st January to 30th June 2026 due to the absence of anti-dumping duty.
- However, after the Ministry of Finance approved the imposition of anti-dumping duty, the rationale for restrictions ceased, leading DGFT to remove the quantitative import curbs.
- India has imposed a provisional anti-dumping duty ranging from USD 60 to USD 130 per tonne on low ash metallurgical coke imports.
- Anti-dumping Duty: It is a trade remedial measure imposed on imports sold below their normal value when such dumping causes material injury to domestic producers, aimed at restoring fair competition rather than restricting import quantities.
- Metallurgical coke (met coke): It is a high-carbon, low-impurity fuel obtained from coking coal, used as a key input in blast furnace steelmaking, and produced by heating coal in the absence of air (destructive distillation) in coke ovens.
- It acts as both a fuel and a reducing agent in blast furnaces, helping convert iron ore into molten iron.
- Low ash and ultra-low phosphorous variants are especially important for high-grade steel manufacturing.
- India has large proven coking coal reserves (16.5 billion tonnes of medium-quality and 5.13 billion tonnes of prime-quality coal), yet imports nearly 85% of its coking coal because much of the domestic coal is not suitable for metallurgical use, leaving the steel sector and overall economic stability vulnerable to external supply shocks.
Rabies as Notifiable Disease
06-01-2026
Source: IE
The Delhi government has decided to declare human rabies a notifiable disease under the Epidemic Diseases Act, 1897, aiming to achieve zero human deaths from dog-mediated rabies.
Notifiable Disease
- About: Notifiable diseases are those legally mandated to be reported to public health authorities under laws like the Epidemic Diseases Act, 1897. The primary framework for surveillance is the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP), managed by the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC).
- Implications of Notification: Once a disease is declared notifiable, all healthcare providers (public and private), hospitals, and medical practitioners are legally obligated to report suspected, probable, and confirmed cases to designated authorities, ensuring comprehensive data collection.
- Commonly Notified Diseases: While lists vary state wise, diseases commonly declared notifiable across many states include Tuberculosis, Dengue, Malaria, Cholera, Hepatitis, Measles, Leptospirosis, and Polio. Covid-19 was universally declared notifiable during the pandemic.
- Recent examples of newly notified diseases include snakebite in 2024 and human rabies in 2025.
- Decentralized and Non-Uniform System: India lacks a single, uniform national list of notifiable diseases. The authority to declare a disease notifiable rests primarily with state/UT (with legislative assembly) governments, leading to variations in the list of diseases across different states and union territories.
- Global Commitment: The International Health Regulations (2005) (IHR) under the World Health Organization (WHO) are a legally binding international law that require memeber countries to inform the WHO about public health risks or events that may have international health implications, irrespective of their origin or source.

Tractor Emission Norms (TREM)
05-11-2025
Source: TH
Farmers’ organisations have opposed the Union government’s proposal to implement Tractor Emission Norms (TREM) Stage V for tractors from 1st October 2026, urging that the rules would force farmers to buy new tractors, increasing debt and economic hardship.
- TREM: These are pollution-control standards set by the government to regulate and reduce harmful exhaust emissions from agricultural tractors and farm machinery.
- TREM Stages: India introduced tractor emission norms in 1999, followed by Bharat (Trem) Stage II in 2003 based on the Expert Committee on Auto Fuel Policy (Mashelkar Committee, 2002), and Bharat (Trem) Stage -III in 2005.
- TREM-IIIA (2010–11) brought horsepower (HP)-based limits, and TREM-IV was implemented in 2023 for tractors above 50 HP to further curb emissions.
- Impact: TREM-IV and V norms for tractors above 50 HP could increase tractor prices by 20–25%, adding pressure on small farmers.
- Farmers insist TREM-V should apply only to tractors above 70 HP, mostly used for non-agricultural work.
Tri-Services Exercise (TSE-2025) “Trishul”
05-11-2025
Source: TH
India has begun Tri-Services Exercise “Trishul-2025” to strengthen integrated operations across land, air, and sea in the Sir Creek and desert sectors of Rajasthan–Gujarat, extending into the northern Arabian Sea.
- Coordination & Participants: It is a major tri-services exercise to test joint capabilities across land, air, sea, cyber, and space, aimed at validating joint procedures, strengthening network integration, and enhancing inter-service interoperability.
- Coordinated by headquarters Western Naval Command (Mumbai), the exercise involves Southern Command (Army), Western Naval Command (Navy), and South Western Air Command (IAF), with support from the Coast Guard, Border Security Force, and other agencies, highlighting strong inter-agency and multi-domain integration.
- Sub-exercises: “Trinetra” and “Mahagujarat” are sub-exercises under the larger annual Tri-Services Exercise Trishul 2025.
- Operational Focus: The exercise will also validate joint Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR), Electronic Warfare (EW) and Cyber Warfare plans.
- Indigenisation Focus: The exercise will highlight the effective employment of indigenous systems and demonstrate the absorption of the tenets of ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat.’
Immigration and Foreigners Act, 2025
05-09-2025
Source: BS
Why in News?
The Immigration and Foreigners Act, 2025 came into effect on 1st September 2025, consolidating India’s immigration laws, imposing stricter penalties for forged documents, and strengthening reporting and monitoring of foreigners.
- It repeals four outdated laws: the Passport (Entry into India) Act, 1920, the Registration of Foreigners Act, 1939, the Foreigners Act, 1946, and the Immigration (Carriers’ Liability) Act, 2000.
What are the Key Provisions of the Immigration and Foreigners Act, 2025?
- Tougher Penalties for Forged Travel Documents: 2–7 years imprisonment and a fine of Rs 1–10 lakh for using or supplying forged passports, visas, or other travel documents.
- Up to 5 years imprisonment or Rs 5 lakh fine for foreigners entering restricted areas without valid authorization.
- Mandatory Reporting of Foreigners’ Details: Hotels, universities, educational institutions, hospitals, and nursing homes must report information about foreign nationals staying or visiting.
- International airlines and shipping companies are required to share advance passenger and crew data before arrival.
- Government Control Over Premises: Central government empowered to regulate or shut down premises frequently visited by foreigners if deemed necessary for security reasons.
- Bureau of Immigration: It grants statutory backing to the Bureau of Immigration (established in 1971 under the Intelligence Bureau) to identify, detain, and deport illegal foreigners.
Did You Know?
- US: Launched “Catch and Revoke” using Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools to identify and revoke visas of individuals linked to terrorist groups.
- Australia: Allows detention of non-citizens considered a security risk but prohibits indefinite detention of stateless persons unless deportation is possible.
- Gulf Countries: Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, and Kuwait have deported thousands of migrant workers on security grounds, often with limited avenues of appeal.
Indian Navy’s First Training Squadron in Seychelles
05-09-2025
Source: TH
The Indian Navy’s First Training Squadron ( INS Tir, INS Shardul, and ICGS Sarathi) arrived at Port Victoria, Seychelles during a long-range training mission in the South West Indian Ocean Region.
Seychelles
- The Seychelles is an island nation located northeast of Madagascar off the east coast of continental Africa.
- It is the smallest nation in Africa in both land area and population.
- It is an archipelago of 155 islands located in the western Indian Ocean. Mahe, the largest and most diverse island in the archipelago.
- The islands of Seychelles are situated on the Mascarene Plateau, an extensive submarine plateau in the Indian Ocean.

Pradhan Mantri Kisan Sampada Yojana
05-08-2025
The Union Cabinet has approved a total outlay of ₹6,520 crore for Pradhan Mantri Kisan Sampada Yojana (PMKSY) during the 15th Finance Commission Cycle (2021–22 to 2025–26). This includes an additional ₹1,920 crore for enhancing food processing infrastructure and safety measures.
- Key Approvals:
- 50 Multi-product Food Irradiation Units under Integrated Cold Chain and Value Addition Infrastructure (ICCVAI).
- 100 NABL-accredited Food Testing Labs (FTLs) under Food Safety and Quality Assurance Infrastructure (FSQAI).
- Pradhan Mantri Kisan Sampada Yojana:
- It is a composite scheme designed to create modern infrastructure for efficient farm-to-retail supply chain management.
- Major Components:
- Mega Food Parks
- Integrated Cold Chain & Value Addition Infrastructure (ICCVAI)
- Infrastructure for Agro-Processing Clusters
- Creation of Backward & Forward Linkages
- Expansion of Food Processing & Preservation Capacities
- Food Safety & Quality Assurance Infrastructure (FSQAI)
- Human Resource Development & Institutions
Matri Van Initiative
05-08-2025
The ‘Matri Van’, a large-scale urban afforestation initiative under the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ campaign, was launched as part of Van Mahotsav 2025 in Gurugram, Haryana.
- About: A theme-based urban forest project spread over 750 acres in the Aravalli hill region along the Gurugram-Faridabad Road, Haryana.
- Objective: To promote biodiversity conservation, carbon sequestration, public health, and urban sustainability in NCR.
- Key Features:
- Ecological & Community Focus: Restoration through removal of invasive species (e.g., Prosopis juliflora), plantation of native trees, and public participation to promote sustainability and health.
- Thematic Groves & Eco-Infrastructure: Includes Bodhi Vatika, Bamboosetum, etc., along with nature trails, cycle tracks, yoga zones, treated water irrigation, waterbodies, and flood-control measures.
- Significance: Supports Aravalli ecosystem restoration, combats urban heat islands, reduces air pollution, and acts as the “Heart and Lung” of Delhi-NCR.
‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ Campaign
- Launched on 5th June 2024 (World Environment Day) by the Prime Minister, it promotes tree plantation in mothers’ names, combining environmental conservation with a tribute to motherhood.
Aravalli Green Wall Project
- Aims to develop a 1,400 km long, 5 km wide green belt across Haryana, Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Delhi, inspired by the Great Green Wall Project (2007), to combat desertification and enhance ecological resilience.
Mahabodhi Temple
05-07-2025
Source: TOI
The Supreme Court declined to entertain a petition under Article 32 challenging the Bodh Gaya Temple Act, 1949, which sought exclusive control of the Mahabodhi Temple by the Buddhist community.
- The Bodh Gaya Temple Act, 1949 was enacted to ensure the better management of the Mahabodhi Temple, one of Buddhism’s holiest sites.
Mahabodhi Temple
- About: It marks the site where Gautam Buddha attained enlightenment under the Mahabodhi Tree. The original temple was built by Emperor Ashoka in the 3rd century BC, while the present structure dates to the 5th–6th centuries.
- Architectural Features: It includes the 50 m high grand temple (Vajrasana), the sacred Bodhi Tree, and six other sacred sites of Buddha's enlightenment, surrounded by ancient Votive stupas.
- It is among the earliest brick temples from the Gupta period, and the Vajrasana (Diamond Throne) was originally installed by Emperor Ashoka to mark Buddha’s meditation spot.
- Sacred Sites: Bodhi Tree (direct descendant of the tree under which Buddha attained enlightenment), Animesh Lochan Chaitya (Site of Buddha's meditation after attaining enlightenment), etc.
- Recognition: It has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2002.

Chemical Weapons Convention
05-07-2025
Source: PIB
India hosted the 23rd Regional Meeting of National Authorities of States Parties in Asia under the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC).
Chemical Weapons Convention
- About: CWC is a multilateral treaty banning chemical weapons and requiring their destruction within the stipulated time.
- India and CWC: India is an original signatory of the CWC and implements it through the National Authority Chemical Weapons Convention (NACWC), established under the Chemical Weapons Convention Act, 2000.
- The Indian Chemical Council (ICC), India’s oldest chemical industry association, was awarded the OPCW-The Hague Award 2024, becoming the first industry body globally to receive this honour.
- Chemical Weapons: A chemical weapon is any toxic chemical or device designed to cause intentional harm or death, including munitions and equipment for delivery.
- It mandates the destruction of old and abandoned chemical weapons and requires members to declare riot-control agents like tear gas.
Sunrise Festival 2025–26
05-01-2026
Source: ET
Arunachal Pradesh celebrated the inaugural Sunrise Festival 2025-26 at Dong village in Anjaw district, the easternmost point where sunrise first touches Indian territory.
Sunrise Festival
- About: It is an adventure-led cultural tourism festival to establish Arunachal Pradesh as a global hub for nature, culture, adventure, and heritage celebrations centered around the sunrise.
- Cultural Significance: Dong is home to the indigenous Meyor (Zakhring) tribe, known as the Sunrise People, whose culture, traditions, and belief systems are deeply rooted in sun worship.
- Showcasing Tribal Diversity: It featured cultural presentations from multiple tribes of Arunachal Pradesh namely Mishmi, Singhpho, Galo, Wancho, Nocte, Adi, Apatani, Nyishi, and Monpa, offering a living showcase of state’s rich and diverse indigenous heritage.
Dong Village
- Location and Strategic Importance: It is located in Anjaw district’s Dong Valley at the tri-junction of India, China, and Myanmar. It lies just 7 km from Walong, a major theatre of the 1962 Chinese aggression.
- Physiography: It is located on the left bank of the Lohit River, a key tributary of the Brahmaputra River system.
- Global Recognition: It gained global attention when the Millennium Sunrise on 1st January 2000 was witnessed here by visitors from across the world.

Suryastra Rocket Launcher
05-01-2026
Source: TH
The Indian Army has signed an emergency procurement contract with NIBE Limited for the indigenous Suryastra long-range rocket launcher, enabling fast-track acquisition within the Emergency Procurement framework.
- The system is being domestically produced under a technology collaboration with Elbit Systems, while the Defence Acquisition Council has extended Emergency Procurement powers to allow contract signing until 15 January 2026.
Suryastra
- About: Suryastra is India’s first Made-in-India, multi-calibre, long-range rocket launcher system developed by Pune-based NIBE Limited in collaboration with Israel’s Elbit Systems.
- It leverages Elbit’s PULS (Precise & Universal Launching System) architecture to deliver precision surface-to-surface strikes at ranges of up to 150 km and 300 km, marking the first domestic production of a high-precision rocket launcher with 300 km strike capability.
- It has demonstrated a high accuracy of less than five metres circular error probable (CEP) in trials and can also fire loitering munitions up to 100 km.
- Key Capabilities:
- Multi-Calibre Capability: A single launcher can fire multiple types of rockets and guided munitions, enhancing operational flexibility and reducing logistical burden.
- High Tactical Mobility: Mounted on a BEML High Mobility Vehicle (HMV), it enables rapid deployment, shoot-and-scoot operations, reduced vulnerability to counter-battery fire, and effective operations across diverse terrains.
- Strategic Significance: It combines Israeli rocket technology with Indian manufacturing, aligning with the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative.
- This enhances deep-strike deterrence and signals a doctrinal shift toward long-range, precision, mobile artillery.

8th Economic Census (EC) in 2027
04-12-2025
Source: ET
India will carry out its 8th Economic Census (EC) in 2027, following the two-phase Population Census (2026–27).
- Economic Census (EC): It is the complete count of all establishments (i.e. units engaged in production and/or distribution of goods and services not for the purpose of sole consumption) located within the geographical boundaries of the country.
- The first EC was held in 1977. EC is conducted nationwide by the Ministry of Statistics & Programme Implementation (MOSPI), National Statistics Office in collaboration with the Directorates of Economics and Statistics (DES) of all States and Union Territories.
- Data from 8th EC will be used to create the Statistical Business Register (SBR), a unified database mapping all enterprises across states.
- The SBR will help track whether enterprises are active or closed, improving the accuracy of national economic statistics.
- Population Census: The Census is the largest source of primary data at the village, town and ward level, offering detailed information on housing, amenities, demography, religion, SC/ST, language, literacy, education, economic activity, migration, and fertility.

Fully Accessible Route (FAR) Bonds
04-12-2025
Source: ET
Why in News?
Foreign portfolio investment (FPI) through Fully Accessible Route (FAR) eligible bonds stood at Rs 5,760 crore in November, drawing attention to India’s debt market and the factors influencing FPI participation.
What is a Fully Accessible Route (FAR)?
- About: The FAR is an Reserve Bank of India (RBI) framework introduced in 2020 that allows unrestricted foreign investment in select Government of India securities known as FAR Bonds.
- Key Features:
- No Investment Limits: Under FAR, Foreign Portfolio Investors (FPIs), Non-Resident Indians, Overseas Citizens of India and other eligible entities can invest in these government securities without quantitative caps.
- Open Access: These bonds offer free buy–sell access, making them more attractive for global investors.
- Significance: FAR bonds are crucial for making India’s debt market more competitive and internationally visible.
- In 2024, JP Morgan added 29 Indian FAR-designated G-secs to its Emerging Market Bond Index (EMBI), marking India’s first entry into a major global bond benchmark.
- This inclusion is expected to attract significant foreign inflows into Indian government bonds.
Other Routes for Foreign Investment in Indian Debt
- General Route (GR): The standard route FPIs use to invest in corporate bonds. It is subject to quantitative limits, unlike FAR.
- Voluntary Retention Route (VRR): It is a special RBI framework that allows FPIs to invest in Indian debt with fewer regulatory restrictions, provided they voluntarily commit to retain a minimum share of their investments in India for a fixed period.
Foreign Portfolio Investment (FPI)
- Foreign Portfolio Investment (FPI): It refers to foreign investment in a country’s financial assets such as stocks and bonds, without taking control of a business.
- It is passive, short-term in nature, and aimed at capital gains and diversification.
- FPIs improve market liquidity and reflect investor confidence.
- In India, an FPI can hold up to 10% of a company’s shares without being treated as Foreign Direct Investment (FDI).
- Factors Influencing FPI Participation in India:
- Interest Rate Differential: Higher Indian bond yields compared to other emerging markets make Indian assets more attractive.
- Exchange Rate Stability: A stable or appreciating rupee supports FPI inflows, while sharp depreciation triggers outflows.
- Monetary Policy Expectations: Anticipation of RBI rate cuts, Open Market Operations (OMOs), or liquidity support shapes investor sentiment.
- Sovereign Ratings & Index Inclusion: India’s potential inclusion in major global bond indices (like Bloomberg Global Aggregate Index) encourages early, front-loaded inflows.
- Regulatory Environment: Liberal policies such as the FAR improve ease of investment and repatriation.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What are FAR Bonds?
FAR Bonds are Government of India securities designated under the Fully Accessible Route (FAR) (RBI, 2020) that permit unrestricted foreign investment with no quantitative caps, improving market access and repatriation ease.
2. How do FAR bonds affect FPI inflows?
FAR makes Indian G-secs more attractive to global investors and index funds, raising inflows and bond-market liquidity.
3. What is the Voluntary Retention Route (VRR)?
VRR is an RBI scheme that invites FPIs to commit to retaining a stipulated share of investment for a fixed period (encouraging long-term flows) in exchange for relaxed regulatory norms
Summary
- The Fully Accessible Route (FAR), introduced by the RBI in 2020, allows unrestricted foreign investment in select Government of India securities.
- FAR bonds have boosted India’s global debt visibility, with JP Morgan including 29 FAR-designated G-secs in its Emerging Market Bond Index in 2024.
- FPIs are influenced by factors like interest rate differentials, rupee stability, monetary policy expectations, and global index inclusion.
- FAR, along with routes like GR and VRR, is helping attract stronger foreign participation and deepen India’s debt market.
UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Questions (PYQ)
Prelims
Q. Which one of the following groups of items is included in India’s foreign-exchange reserves? (2013)
(a) Foreign-currency assets, Special Drawing Rights (SDRs) and loans from foreign countries
(b) Foreign-currency assets, gold holdings of the RBI and SDRs
(c) Foreign-currency assets, loans from the World Bank and SDRs
(d) Foreign-currency assets, gold holdings of the RBI and loans from the World Bank.
Ans: (b)
Q. With reference to Foreign Direct Investment in India, which one of the following is considered its major characteristic? (2020)
(a) It is the investment through capital instruments essentially in a listed company.
(b) It is a largely non-debt creating capital flow.
(c) It is an investment which involves debt-servicing.
(d) It is the investment made by foreign institutional investors in the Government securities.
Ans: (b)
‘Seva Teerth’
04-12-2025
Source: IE
The Union Home Minister referred to the upcoming new Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) in the Central Vista complex as “Seva Teerth”, calling it a landmark in India’s administrative evolution.
- The term signifies a shift towards citizen-centric governance rooted in service, aligning with the broader ethos of Seva (service) in Indian political philosophy.
- Seva Teerth’ Symbolise:
- Spiritual-Administrative Fusion: The term ‘Teerth’, traditionally denoting pilgrimage sites, reinforces the Gandhian ideal of public office as a form of service, not privilege.
- Reinforces the view of administrative spaces as citizen-centric, not aloof bureaucratic enclaves.
- Symbolic Governance: Echoes the principle of “Minimum Government, Maximum Governance”. Projects the PMO as a space of accountability, transparency, and citizen responsiveness.
- Central Vista Project: The revamped PMO is part of the broader Central Vista redevelopment project.
- Inaugurated in 1931, Central Vista comprised Rashtrapati Bhavan, North and South Blocks, new Parliament House, the National Archives, India Gate, and the civic gardens along kartavya path.
- Central Vista redevelopment aims to enhance administrative efficiency, sustainability, and public spaces in New Delhi.
Foreign Liabilities and Assets (FLA) Census 2024-25
04-11-2025
Source: TH
According to the Reserve Bank of India’s 2024–25 Foreign Liabilities and Assets (FLA) census, the US and Singapore together contributed over one-third of India’s total Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), reaffirming their position as India’s top investment partners.
FDI in India
- Top Investors: The US (20%) and Singapore (14.3%) together contributed over one-third of total FDI, followed by Mauritius, the UK, and the Netherlands.
- Foreign Dominance: More than 75% of FDI-reporting firms were foreign subsidiaries, reflecting strong overseas ownership and technology inflows.
- Sectoral Focus: Manufacturing attracted the highest FDI (48.4% market value), followed by services, aligning with India’s industrialisation goals.
- Rising Inflows: Total FDI stock rose to Rs 68.75 lakh crore in FY25, up from Rs 61.88 lakh crore in FY24, marking an 11.1% annual growth. showing steady confidence in India’s economy.
- Outward Expansion: Outward Direct Investment (ODI) (domestic firm expands its operations to a foreign country) stood at Rs 11.66 lakh crore, with top destinations being Singapore, US, UK, and Netherlands.
- ODI growth (17.9%) outpaced FDI growth (11.1%), reducing the inward-to-outward DI ratio from 6.3 to 5.9 times year-on-year.
- Industrial Strength: Non-financial companies held over 90% of total FDI equity, showing dominance of core sectors.
Rowmari-Donduwa Wetland Complex
04-11-2025
Source: TOI
Why in News?
There is a demand for the inclusion of the Rowmari–Donduwa Wetland Complex in Assam as a Ramsar Site, recognizing its remarkable biodiversity and ecological significance.
What is the Rowmari–Donduwa Wetland Complex?
- Location: It is located within the Laokhowa Wildlife Sanctuary (WLS), a part of the Kaziranga Tiger Reserve in Assam. It is an interconnected floodplain–marsh system spanning about 2.5 to 3 square kilometres.
- Biodiversity: It hosts a higher diversity of bird species compared to the two existing Ramsar sites in Northeast India — Deepor Beel (Assam) and Loktak Lake (Manipur).
- The 2025 Kaziranga Wetland Bird Census recorded 47,000+ birds from 75–88 species, including Knob-billed Duck, Black-necked Stork, and Ferruginous Pochard.
- Ramsar Site Designation: The Rowmari–Donduwa Wetland Complex, with its rich birdlife, diverse habitats, and strong ecological links, is an ideal candidate for Ramsar Site designation.
What is Ramsar Convention?
- About: The Ramsar Convention, signed in 1971 at Ramsar, Iran, is an international treaty for the conservation and wise use of wetlands. It aims to protect wetland ecosystems through national and global cooperation.
- India and Ramsar: India, a member since 1982, has 94 Ramsar sites (as of November 2025), the highest in Asia, supporting biodiversity and livelihoods.
- The first Ramsar Site designated in India was Chilika Lake, Odisha, in 1981.
- Currently, Tamil Nadu leads with the highest number of Ramsar Sites, followed by Uttar Pradesh.
- Approximately 10% of India’s total wetland area is currently designated under the Ramsar framework.
- Criteria for Ramsar Site Designation: There are 9 criteria for identifying Wetlands of International Importance under the Ramsar Convention. Important ones are:
- Ecological Uniqueness & Biodiversity: Represents a rare wetland type and supports key or endangered species.
- Life Cycle Support & Refuge: Provides habitat during critical stages or refuge in adverse conditions.
- Avian Importance: Hosts 20,000+ waterbirds or 1% of a waterbird population.
- Aquatic Significance: Sustains diverse fish species, serving as a spawning, nursery, or migration ground.
Laokhowa and Burhachapori WLS
- Location: Situated between Kaziranga (east), Orang (west), and Pobitora (west), the complex forms a vital migration corridor between Kaziranga and Orang National Parks.
- It serves as a Buffer Zone of Kaziranga Tiger Reserve, with the Brahmaputra River marking its northern boundary and creating diverse river islands (chars).
- Biodiversity: Home to endangered mammals like the Great Indian One-horned Rhinoceros, Royal Bengal Tiger, Asiatic Elephant, and Asiatic Water Buffalo, along with otters and pangolins.
- Rich in birdlife, including Bengal Florican, Greater and Lesser Adjutant, and Black-necked Stork; the Brahmaputra River supports the Gangetic River Dolphin.
- Ecosystem: Features a diverse mix of grasslands, woodlands, wetlands, and riverine islands.
Kaziranga National Park
- About: Established in 1908, the park is located in Assam’s Golaghat and Nagaon districts. It was declared a National Park in 1974, inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1985, and designated a Tiger Reserve in 2006.
- Fauna: Home to over 2,200 Indian One-horned Rhinos—about two-thirds of the global population—the park also sustains tigers, elephants, wild water buffalo, and bears.
- It supports rich aquatic life, including the endangered Ganges River Dolphin, and serves as a vital refuge for resident and migratory birds.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the Rowmari–Donduwa Wetland Complex?
The Rowmari–Donduwa Complex is a 2.5–3 km² floodplain–marsh within Laokhowa WLS, part of the Kaziranga landscape; it supports 120+ bird species and high avian counts, making it ecologically significant and a strong candidate for Ramsar designation.
2. How does Laokhowa–Burhachapori contribute to wildlife conservation in Assam?
Laokhowa–Burhachapori functions as a buffer and corridor connecting Kaziranga with adjacent PAs, supporting large mammals (rhino, elephant, tiger), wetlands for migratory birds, and riverine species like the Gangetic dolphin.
3. What distinguishes Kaziranga National Park's global conservation status?
It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and Tiger Reserve, holding the world's largest population of the endangered Indian one-horned rhinoceros.
UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Questions (PYQs)
Prelims
Q. Consider the following pairs: (2013)
| National Park |
River flowing through Park |
| 1. Corbett National Park |
Ganga |
| 2. Kaziranga National Park |
Manas |
| 3. Silent Valley National Park |
Kaveri |
Which of the above pairs is/are correctly matched?
(a) 1 and 2
(b) 3 only
(c) 1 and 3
(d) None
Ans: (d)
Q. Among the following Tiger Reserves, which one has the largest area under “Critical Tiger Habitat”? (2020)
(a) Corbett
(b) Ranthambore
(c) Nagarjunasagar-Srisailam
(d) Sundarbans
Ans: (c)
Extension of the RoDTEP Scheme
04-10-2025
Source: TH
The Government of India has extended the Remission of Duties and Taxes on Exported Products (RoDTEP) scheme for exporters until March 2026. The move comes as a relief to exporters struggling with rising US tariffs and global trade uncertainties.
RoDTEP Scheme
- About & Objective: Introduced in 2021, the scheme refunds embedded taxes, duties, and levies incurred during production and distribution of exported goods.
- It addresses costs not reimbursed under other central, state, or local tax mechanisms.
- Refund Rates range from 0.3% to 3.9%, applicable across all export items.
- It is compliant with WTO norms and is implemented via a comprehensive end-to-end digital platform to ensure transparency and efficiency.
- Beneficiaries: Domestic Tariff Area (DTA) units, Advance Authorization (AA) holders, Special Economic Zone (SEZ) units, Export-Oriented Units (EOUs).
- Significance: By the end of March 2025, total disbursements under the RoDTEP scheme had crossed nearly ₹57,000 crore, underscoring its significant role in supporting India’s merchandise exports.
- Policy Implications:
- Encourages sustained export growth, especially for units in SEZs and EOUs.
- Operates within budgetary limits, highlighting fiscal prudence.
- Reinforces the government's commitment to support the export sector.

Sir Creek
04-10-2025
Source: TH
India’s Defence Minister has stated that any aggressive action by Pakistan in the Sir Creek area would be responded to firmly, highlighting India’s readiness and vigilance.
- Sir Creek: It is a 96-kilometre tidal waterway in the marshlands of the Rann of Kutch, Gujarat, forming the boundary between India’s Kutch region and Pakistan’s Sindh province, and opening into the Arabian Sea.
- Historically known as Ban Ganga, it was renamed “Sir Creek” during the colonial period after a British official.
- Sir Creek Dispute: The dispute centers on differing interpretations of the maritime boundary. After 1947, Kutch went to India and Sindh to Pakistan.
- Pakistan claims the entire Sir Creek under a 1914 resolution. However, India argues that the same resolution also invoked the thalweg principle, which sets the boundary along the middle of the navigable channel.
- India further cites a 1925 map and mid-channel pillars to back its position, and maintains the creek is navigable during high tide, so the boundary should follow international norms along the mid-channel.
- Pakistan argues that the Thalweg Principle applies only to rivers and contends Sir Creek is non-navigable, so it shouldn’t be applied.
- Importance of Sir Creek:
- Strategic Significance: Sir Creek a sensitive border area where India and Pakistan have historically clashed. Control over the creek impacts maritime security, surveillance, and defense preparedness.
- Economic Value: It is one of Asia’s largest fishing grounds, supporting thousands of fishermen. The seabed may also hold potential oil and gas reserves.
- Ecological Importance: The creek is an ecologically sensitive area, hosting flamingoes and other migratory birds, making it crucial for biodiversity conservation.


White Rhino
04-10-2025
Source: IE
The Resurrection Quest, a documentary on cloning, gene editing, and species de-extinction, won the Gold Dolphin Award for showcasing efforts to save the northern white rhino.
White Rhino
- About: White rhinos are the second-largest land mammal.
- Subspecies: The species is split into two genetically distinct subspecies – Northern white rhino and Southern white rhino.
- Habitat:
- Northern White Rhino: Only two females left (functionally extinct), both living in Ol Pejeta Conservancy, Kenya.
- Southern White Rhino: Found mostly in South Africa, Namibia, Zimbabwe, and Kenya (98.8% population).
- IUCN Status of White Rhino: Near threatened.
- Social Behavior: Groups of up to 14 rhinos form, mainly females with calves. Adult males defend territories marked with scraped dung piles.
- Adult females have larger home ranges, while breeding females stay within a dominant male’s territory.
- Primary Threat: Poaching is the primary threat. The northern white rhino nears extinction from decades of horn poaching.


Model Youth Gram Sabha(MYGS)
04-10-2025
Source: IE
The Centre is set to launch the Model Youth Gram Sabha (MYGS), a school-based initiative inspired by Model UN simulations, to provide students practical exposure to local governance and Panchayati Raj functioning.
- Model UN simulations involve hundreds of thousands of students each year, helping them learn about the UN’s principles and functions.
MYGS
- About: It is a school-based initiative that introduces the democratic process of Gram Sabhas into classrooms across India, marking the first structured effort to involve students in grassroots governance.
- Objective: It aims to develop informed and responsible citizens who understand local governance, with students discussing issues and preparing village budgets and plans.
- Launched By: It is an initiative of the Ministry of Panchayati Raj, in collaboration with Ministries of Education and Tribal Affairs.
- Implementation: It will be launched in a phased manner, beginning with Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas (JNVs) and Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS).
- Each participating school will receive Rs. 20,000 to conduct the mock Gram Sabha.
- Key Features: Students of Classes 9–12 to role-play as sarpanch, ward members, village secretary, Anganwadi worker, ANM, junior engineers, etc.
- Teacher training provided through National Level Master Trainers (NLMTs).
- It features regional and national competitions with substantial prize money, along with certificates.

Fireflies as Ecological Indicators
04-09-2025
Source: IE
A Tamil Nadu Forest Department study in the Anamalai Tiger Reserve (ATR) identified eight firefly species and their population dynamics, emphasizing their role as ecological indicators.
Fireflies (Lampyridae)
- Classification & Habitat: Bioluminescent beetles, also known as lightning bugs or fireflies, are crucial for environmental balance.
- Found in diverse habitats, including tropical forests and temperate grasslands, they belong to the Lampyridae family.
- They thrive in undisturbed soils, high humidity, clean water, and low artificial light.
- Morphology: Seasonal, active during or after rains, otherwise remain as larvae in soil and they live around 2 months.
- Ecological Significance:
- Bioluminescent beetles produce cold, efficient light in abdominal organs through a biochemical reaction involving luciferin, luciferase, oxygen, and ATP (Adenosine Triphosphate), with light colors ranging from green to yellow.
- This bioluminescence plays key roles in mating signal and predator deterrence.
- Large-scale synchronous flashing of fireflies are bioindicators of pollution-free areas, with population changes signaling environmental disruptions.
- Which can impact other species like moths, bats, and amphibians.
- Threats: Threats like urbanization, deforestation, pesticides, and light pollution are linked to their declining populations.
Anamalai Tiger Reserve (ATR)
- Declared a Tiger Reserve in 2007, it is surrounded by Parambikulum Tiger Reserve(PTR), Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary and Eravikulum National Park.
- Kariyan Shola, Grass Hills, and Manjampatti of ATR is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- It hosts evergreen, deciduous, and shola forests, montane and marshy grasslands, and key fauna like tiger, Asiatic elephant, sambar, leopard, and others.

BHARATI Initiative
04-09-2025
Source: PIB
The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) has launched the BHARATI initiative to strengthen India’s agri-food exports and foster innovation among startups.
BHARATI Initiative
- About: BHARATI (Bharat’s Hub for Agritech, Resilience, Advancement and Incubation for Export Enablement) aims to promote innovation, strengthen India’s agri-food startups, and boost exports.
- Objectives: To empower 100 agri-food startups through innovation and incubation, supporting APEDA's goal of USD 50 billion in agri-food exports by 2030.
- Also aims to address challenges in perishability, quality, logistics, and sustainability.
- Key Features:
- Targets high-value agri-food products such as GI-tagged, organic, superfoods, processed foods, livestock, AYUSH products.
- It will also promote advanced technologies like AI, blockchain, IoT, and agri-fintech, addressing packaging, perishability, sustainability, and logistics.
- Connects startups and innovators to provide export-ready solutions by helping them meet international food safety and quality standards through a 3-month acceleration programme.
- It also aligns with Atmanirbhar Bharat, Vocal for Local, Digital India, and Start-Up India programme.
- APEDA partners with state boards, universities, IITs/NITs, industry bodies, and accelerators to strengthen the ecosystem and enable annual scalability.
APEDA
- APEDA, established under the APEDA Act, 1985, is a statutory body under the Ministry of Commerce & Industry.
- It promotes and develops exports of agricultural products, providing support in marketing, transportation, and value addition.

Single Window System for State DGP Appointments
04-08-2025
Source: TH
The Union Government has introduced a Single Window System (SWS) to standardize and simplify the appointment of State Director Generals of Police (DGPs)/Heads of Police Force (HoPF).
Key Features of the SWS:
- Standardization: Offers a checklist and uniform formats for States to submit DGP proposals.
- Eligibility Certification: A Secretary-rank officer must certify that proposed officers meet criteria, including a minimum 6 months of residual service.
- Timely Submission: States must send proposals at least 3 months before the anticipated vacancy.
Superintendence over the State Police:
- Police is a State subject under the 7th Schedule of the Constitution.
- Further, section 3 of the Police Act, 1861 states that the superintendence of police in each State rests with the State Government.
- At the district level, a dual system exists where both the District Magistrate and Superintendent of Police share authority.
- The State Police are generally headed by officers of the DGP (Director General of Police) rank.


Mount Lewotobi Laki Laki
04-08-2025
Source: IE
Mount Lewotobi Laki Laki, one of Indonesia’s most active volcanoes erupted, spewing ash up to 18 km high and covering nearby villages with volcanic debris.
- Mount Lewotobi is located on the Indonesian island of Flores. It lies along the Pacific "Ring of Fire," known for intense seismic activity.
- The volcano is part of a twin-peaked system called Lewotobi, meaning "husband and wife." It consists of the Lewotobi Lakilaki (man) and Lewotobi Perempuan (woman) stratovolcanoes, whose summit craters are located less than 2 km apart on Flores Island.
- The Ring of Fire, or Circum-Pacific Belt, is a 40,000 km zone around the Pacific Ocean marked by intense seismic and volcanic activity. It hosts 75% of Earth's volcanoes (over 450) and 90% of earthquakes.
- This eruption ranks among Indonesia’s largest since 2010, when Mount Merapi erupted, killing over 350 people and displacing hundreds of thousands.
- Merapi, located in Yogyakarta, is Indonesia's highly active and known for frequent eruptions and deadly pyroclastic flows (fast-moving avalanches of hot gas and volcanic debris) posing major hazards over the past two decades.


50 Years of CITES
04-07-2025
Source: UN
Why in News?
The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) completed 50 years on 1st July 2025.
Note: The United Nations General Assembly designated 3rd March as UN World Wildlife Day in 2013, to coincide with the anniversary of the signing of CITES.
What is CITES?
- About: CITES, also known as the Washington Convention, was signed on 3rd March 1973 during the World Wildlife Conference and came into force on 1st July 1975. It was drafted following a 1963 resolution adopted by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) to regulate wildlife trade.
- The Convention now has 185 Parties, including India (a member since 1976) and the European Union.
- Administered by the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) in Geneva, CITES regulates international trade in over 40,000 species of wild animals and plants, including live specimens and wildlife-derived products.
- The treaty aims to ensure that such trade is sustainable, legal, and traceable, supporting biodiversity, local livelihoods, and national economies in line with the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
- Working Procedure: CITES regulates international trade through permits for export, import, re-export, and sea introduction. Each member country appoints management and scientific authorities to oversee licensing and conservation advice.
- Appendices System:
- Appendix I: Species threatened with extinction. Trade is highly restricted.
- Appendix II: Species not endangered but need controlled trade to avoid risk.
- Appendix III: Species protected by at least one country that seeks cooperation to regulate trade.
- Changes to Appendices I and II are decided at the Conference of the Parties (CoP), while Appendix III can be amended unilaterally by individual Parties.
- Importance: Wildlife trade is a multi-billion dollar global industry, and unregulated trade alongside habitat loss threatens many species with extinction.
- CITES is recognized as one of the most effective environmental agreements, supported by tools like the CITES Trade Database (a global reference on legal wildlife trade) and clear guidelines for enforcement and legal acquisition.
- It has helped save critically endangered species such as African elephants, pangolins, and crocodiles.
- Initiatives like the Monitoring the Illegal Killing of Elephants (MIKE) Programme have significantly reduced poaching in Africa and Asia.
- All species listed in the CITES Appendices are now included in Schedule IV of the Wild Life (Protection) Amendment Act, 2022, reflecting India’s strengthened cooperation with CITES.
- UN and CITES: CITES complements the work of other UN entities, such as the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) to improve fisheries management, capacity building and technical cooperation with the Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP), and initiatives focusing on the youth with the UN Development Programme.
UPSC Civil Services Examination Previous Year Question (PYQ)
Q. With reference to the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN) and the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), which of the following statements is/are correct? (2015)
- IUCN is an organ of the United Nations and CITES is an international agreement between governments.
- IUCN runs thousands of field projects around the world to better manage natural environments.
- CITES is legally binding on the States that have joined it, but this Convention does not take the place of national laws.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Ans: (b)
Kariyachalli Island
04-07-2025
Source: DTE
Tamil Nadu, under the TNSHORE (Tamil Nadu Sustainably Harnessing Ocean Resources) project, is working to protect the ecologically vital Kariyachalli Island in the Gulf of Mannar, which has shrunk by over 70% since 1969 and may be submerged by 2036.
Kariyachalli Island
- About: Kariyachalli Island, located within the Gulf of Mannar Marine National Park, is part of one of India’s four major coral reef regions (others: Gulf of Kutch, Lakshadweep, and Andaman & Nicobar Islands).
- It serves as a vital habitat for endangered species like dugongs (sea cows, IUCN: Vulnerable), which rely on seagrass ecosystems.
- Threats: The island has lost 70% of its landmass since 1969, and due to climate change, 30% of its coral has already bleached.
- Conservation: The TNSHORE project plans to install 8,500 artificial reef modules that are trapezoidal structures made of ferrocement and steel with perforations for nutrient flow along with seagrass plantation and coral habitat restoration, to help reduce wave energy and stabilize the shoreline.
Gulf of Mannar
- About: The Gulf of Mannar, an extended part of the Laccadive Sea, contains 21 islands and is bordered by Rameswaram, Ram Setu bridge, and Mannar Island.
- It receives rivers like the Tambraparni and Aruvi, and hosts the Tuticorin port.

- Biodiversity: Home to the Gulf of Mannar Marine National Park—South Asia’s first Marine Biosphere Reserve—it supports corals, fishes, and endangered species like dugongs, whale sharks, and sea turtles.
- The gulf is noted for its pearl banks and sacred chank (a gastropod mollusk).
- Gulf of Mannar Marine National Park: Established in 1982, it features coral reefs, mangroves, mudflats, creeks, seagrass beds, seaweeds, estuaries, sandy shores, saline grasslands, marshes, and rocky coastlines.
Blocking of AI Web Crawler
04-07-2025
Source: IE
Why in News?
In a landmark move, major US and UK publishers have started blocking Artificial Intelligence (AI) web crawlers to prevent unauthorised use of their content.
- This has renewed calls in India for consent-based copyright safeguards and fair revenue sharing, raising key concerns in digital governance, copyright enforcement, and ethical AI use.
What is an AI Web Crawler?
- About: An AI web crawler is a type of automated software or bot that scans and collects content from the internet specifically to help train AI models like Large Language Models (LLMs), or to provide live information retrieval for AI assistants.
- Types:
- Model Training Crawler: Extract website data to train generative AI models.
- Examples: GPTBot (OpenAI), Amazonbot (Amazon), GoogleOther (Google).
- Live Retrieval Crawlers: These bots pull real-time data from websites to supplement pre-trained models during user queries, ensuring up-to-date and cited responses in AI search tools.
- It is used by AI platforms like Bing, ChatGPT, etc., to stay updated.
- Concerns:
- Lack of Regulatory Framework: Currently, India lacks a regulatory framework to oversee how AI companies access and use web content.
- This has led to a situation where large tech firms benefit from freely available Indian content without consent or oversight, while smaller publishers are left with no tools to monitor or restrict such access.
- Copyright Enforcement: News articles, blogs, and educational content are used to train LLMs without permission or compensation.
- India’s Copyright Act, 1957 is not equipped to address AI-specific use cases, such as derivative AI outputs or training data rights.
- There is no clear interpretation of “fair use” vs. “unlicensed training” in the Indian context.
- India has no data protection law focused on non-personal data, which LLMs mostly rely on for AI training.
- Ethical Use of AI: AI developers rarely disclose what data they use, leaving original creators without acknowledgement or reward.
- Moreover, training AI on unvetted or outdated material can introduce biases and lead to inaccurate or harmful outputs, undermining public trust in AI systems.
- These challenges underscore the urgent need for India to establish a consent-based, rights-respecting digital ecosystem.
- Global Frameworks and India’s Path Forward: EU’s AI Act, 2024 has started addressing AI training on copyrighted data.
- US publishers are entering licensing deals or legally challenging AI firms.
- India can study these and develop an Indian model for AI governance, balancing innovation with creators' rights.
- The Ministry of Electronics and IT (MeitY) and the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting (I&B) must jointly legally define “unauthorised data scraping” and establish a consent-based AI licensing framework to protect creators’ rights.
- They should also enable technical safeguards by providing AI bot-blocking tools to Indian publishers, in collaboration with platforms like Cloudflare, to help secure digital content.
|
Drishti Mains Question:
Examine the challenges posed by Artificial Intelligence (AI) web crawlers to India's copyright regime.
|
UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Questions (PYQs)
Mains
Q. In a globalized world, Intellectual Property Rights assume significance and are a source of litigation. Broadly distinguish between the terms—Copyrights, Patents and Trade Secrets. (2014)
Exercise EKUVERIN
03-12-2025
Source:PIB
The 14th edition of the Joint Military Exercise, EKUVERIN, between the Indian Army and the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) commenced in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala.
- EKUVERIN means friends in Dhivehi and reflects the strong defence ties between India and the Maldives.
- Held alternately in India and the Maldives since 2009, it aligns with India’s Neighbourhood First policy and strengthens regional partnerships.
- It reinforces both countries’ commitment to security and stability in the Indian Ocean Region.
- The exercise improves interoperability in Counter-Insurgency and Counter-Terrorism operations operations across jungle, semi-urban and coastal areas.
India-Maldives Defence Relations

Celebrating State/UTs Formation Day
03-11-2025
Source: BS
Why in News?
On 1st November, eight Indian states including Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Haryana, Karnataka, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Punjab and Tamil Nadu, along with five Union Territories (UTs) namely Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Chandigarh, Delhi, Lakshadweep and Puducherry, celebrate their Formation Day.
Which Indian States and UTs Celebrate their Formation Day on 1st November?
States
|
State
|
Formation Date
|
Formed By
|
Status Before Formation
|
|
Andhra Pradesh
|
1st November 1953
|
Andhra State was created in 1953 and the state of Andhra Pradesh was formed in 1956 under States Reorganisation Act, 1956.
|
Part of Andhra State and Hyderabad State
|
|
Karnataka
|
1st November 1956
|
States Reorganisation Act, 1956 (as Mysore State)
|
Parts of Bombay State, Coorg State, Hyderabad State and Mysore State
|
|
Kerala
|
1st November 1956
|
States Reorganisation Act, 1956
|
Part of Madras State and Travancore-Cochin
|
|
Madhya Pradesh
|
1st November 1956 (reorganised)
|
States Reorganisation Act, 1956
|
Central Provinces and Berar, princely states of Eastern States Agency
|
|
Tamil Nadu
|
1st November 1956 (as Madras State), renamed in 1969
|
States Reorganisation Act, 1956
|
Part of Madras State and Travancore-Cochin
|
|
Haryana
|
1st November 1966
|
Punjab Reorganisation Act, 1966
|
Part of East Punjab
|
|
Punjab
|
1st November 1966 (current form)
|
Punjab Reorganisation Act, 1966
|
Part of East Punjab
|
|
Chhattisgarh
|
1st November 2000
|
Madhya Pradesh Reorganisation Act, 2000
|
Part of Madhya Pradesh
|
Union Territories
|
Union Territory (UT)
|
Formation Date
|
Formed By
|
Status Before Formation
|
|
Andaman and Nicobar Islands
|
1st November 1956
|
States Reorganisation Act, 1956
|
Part D State
|
|
Delhi
|
1st November 1956
|
States Reorganisation Act, 1956
|
Delhi (Part C State)
|
|
Lakshadweep
|
1st November 1956
|
States Reorganisation Act, 1956
|
Part of Madras State
|
|
Puducherry
|
1st November 1954 (de facto), 1963 (UT status)
|
Treaty of Cession with France and Government of Union Territories Act, 1963
|
French India territories
|
|
Chandigarh
|
1st November 1966
|
Punjab Reorganisation Act, 1966
|
Part of East Punjab
|
What are the Provisions Related to Formation of States/UTs in India?
- Part I of the Indian Constitution: It is titled “The Union and Its Territory” and comprises Articles 1 to 4.
- It defines India as a “Union of States”, specifies the names and territories of States and Union Territories, and empowers Parliament to admit or establish new States and to alter the area, boundaries, or names of existing States.
- Article 1: It declares India as a Union of States, which includes all States, Union Territories, and any territories that may be acquired in the future.
- This reflects the idea of a strong Union with an indestructible centre but flexible units.
- Articles 2: Empowers Parliament to admit new States into the Union or establish new States on such terms and conditions as it deems fit.
- Article 3: It gives Parliament the authority to form a new State by separating territory from any existing State or by merging two or more States or Union Territories.
- It also allows alteration of the area, boundaries, or name of any existing State.
- However, a Bill for this purpose can be introduced only with the prior recommendation of the President, who must refer it to the concerned State Legislature for its views.
- The State Legislature’s opinion is not binding on Parliament, and no such reference is required in the case of a Union Territory.
- This provision has enabled major reorganisations such as the creation of Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Uttarakhand (2000) and Telangana (2014).
- Articles 4: Any law made under Articles 2 or 3 may amend the First Schedule (list of States and UTs) and the Fourth Schedule (Rajya Sabha seat allocation).
- Such a law is not treated as a Constitutional Amendment under Article 368.
Commissions Related to State Reorganisation in India
- Linguistic Provinces Commission (Dhar Commission) (1948): Rejected language as a basis for states.
- JVP Committee (1949): The Committee, comprising Jawaharlal Nehru, Sardar Patel, and Pattabhi Sittaramaya, warned against linguistic reorganisation due to fears of disintegration. It prioritised national unity, security.
- States Reorganisation Commission (SRC) (also known as Fazl Ali Commission) (1953): The SRC, headed by Justice Fazl Ali with H.N. Kunzru and K.M. Panikkar as members, submitted its report in 1955.
- It accepted language as a key factor but rejected the idea of 'one language, one state', stressing the importance of unity, security, and administrative, economic, and financial considerations.
- It led to the enactment of the States Reorganisation Act, 1956, which reorganised India into 14 states and 6 Union Territories, and abolishing the old Part A, B, C, and D classifications.
- Later on many Indian states were carved out due to regional identity demands and the need for better administrative efficiency, economic development, and resource control.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What Articles of the Constitution govern the formation and reorganisation of States and Union Territories?
Articles 1 to 4 cover the Union and its territory. Article 2 admits or establishes new States, Article 3 empowers Parliament to form or alter States, and Article 4 deals with incidental amendments to the First and Fourth Schedules.
2. Why are laws under Articles 2 and 3 not treated as constitutional amendments?
Article 4 explicitly states that laws made under Articles 2 or 3 may amend the First and Fourth Schedules but will not be considered amendments under Article 368, allowing Parliament to reorganise territories by ordinary legislation.
3. What was the purpose of the States Reorganisation Commission?
The SRC examined demands for linguistic reorganisation, recommended reorganisation mainly on linguistic lines while stressing unity, administrative efficiency its recommendations led to the States Reorganisation Act, 1956.
UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Question (PYQ)
Q. Which was the Capital of Andhra State when it was made a separate State in the year 1953? (2008)
(a) Guntur
(b) Kurnool
(c) Nellore
(d) Warangal
Ans: (b)
Amazon Rainforest
03-10-2025
Source: IE
Why in News?
A Nature study shows Amazon Rainforest trees are growing larger as rising atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) levels triggers the carbon fertilisation effect, enhancing photosynthesis and plant growth, which increases carbon storage and may help offset climate change.
What is the Carbon Fertilisation Effect?
- It is the process where higher levels of CO2 in the atmosphere boost plant growth.
- CO2 is a key ingredient for photosynthesis, so when plants have more of it, they can grow faster, produce more biomass, and often use water more efficiently.
- This effect is seen naturally in forests and crops, and it’s also used artificially in greenhouses to improve yields of vegetables, fruits, and ornamental plants.
- However, this effect is not limitless and depends on other factors like water availability, soil nutrients (especially nitrogen), and temperature, which can constrain or even reverse the benefits
What are the Key Facts About the Amazon Rainforest?
- Location & Size: The Amazon Rainforest, located in South America, is the largest tropical rainforest in the world, covering approximately 6 million sq. km, which is twice the size of India.
- It spans the Amazon River Basin, the largest river basin globally. Around 60% of the rainforest lies in Brazil, with the remainder spread across Peru, Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador, Bolivia, Guyana, Suriname, and French Guiana.
- Natural Boundaries: The Amazon is naturally bounded by the Guiana Highlands (North), Andes Mountains (West), Brazilian Plateau (South), and the Atlantic Ocean (East).
- Climate Characteristics: The region experiences high rainfall, intense humidity, and uniformly warm temperatures, creating ideal conditions for a dense and continuous rainforest canopy.
- Biodiversity Hotspot: The Amazon is one of the world’s richest biological reservoirs, hosting about 10% of all known wildlife species, many of which are still undocumented.
- Flora: Prominent plant species include myrtle, laurel, palm, acacia, rosewood, Brazil nut tree, rubber tree, mahogany, and cedar.
- Fauna: Iconic wildlife includes jaguar, manatee, tapir, capybara, red deer, monkeys, sloths, caimans, anacondas, tarantulas, toucans, and macaws.
- Protected Areas: The Amazon hosts several key protected areas, including Yasuni National Park (Ecuador), Tumucumaque National Park (Brazil), Jau National Park (Brazil), Pico de Neblina National Park (Brazil), Amacayacu National Natural Park (Colombia), Manu National Park (Peru), and Pacaya-Samiria National Reserve (Peru).
- Global Importance: Amazon Rainforest often called the “Lungs of the Earth”, the Amazon produces about 20% of the world’s oxygen and acts as a crucial carbon sink, moderating global climate change.
- Amazon River: The world’s largest river by discharge and second-longest after the Nile, the Amazon originates in the Peruvian Andes mountains and flows into the Atlantic Ocean.
- Major tributaries include Rio Negro, Madeira, and Xingu. Its watershed spans Brazil, Peru, Ecuador, Colombia, Venezuela, and Bolivia.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the carbon fertilisation effect observed in the Amazon Rainforest?
It is the process where rising atmospheric CO2 boosts photosynthesis and plant growth, increasing biomass and carbon storage, which may help mitigate climate change.
2. Where is the Amazon Rainforest located, and what is its size?
Located in South America, the Amazon Rainforest spans about 6 million sq. km, covering 60% of Brazil and spreading across Peru, Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador, Bolivia, Guyana, Suriname, and French Guiana.
3. Why is the Amazon Rainforest called the “Lungs of the Earth”?
It produces around 20% of the world’s oxygen and acts as a major carbon sink, regulating global climate and supporting biodiversity.
UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Questions (PYQs)
Prelims
Q. Consider the following statements: (2023)
Statement-I: The soil in tropical rain forests is rich in nutrients.
Statement-II: The high temperature and moisture of tropical rain forests cause dead organic matter in the soil to decompose quickly.
Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?
(a) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is the correct explanation for Statement-I
(b) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is not the correct explanation for Statement-I
(c) Statement-I is correct but Statement-II is incorrect
(d) statement I is incorrect but statement II is correct.
Ans: d
Please share the BPS test file
03-09-2025
Source: TH
India has developed CEREBO, an indigenous, hand-held diagnostic device to detect traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), aiming to improve early detection and patient outcomes, particularly in rural and emergency settings.
Key Features of CEREBO:
- Technology: Developed by Indian Council of Medical Research, It uses advanced near-infrared spectroscopy combined with machine learning to detect intracranial bleeding and edema.
- Speed: Provides results within a minute, enabling rapid diagnosis in emergency situations.
- Safety: It is non-invasive and radiation-free, making it safe for infants, pregnant women, and repeated use.
- User-Friendly: Offers color-coded outputs for easy interpretation by healthcare personnel.
- It is portable and designed for ambulances, trauma centers, rural clinics, and disaster response units where access to CT (Computed Tomography) or MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) scans is limited.
- Cost-Effective: Provides an affordable alternative to CT scans in resource-limited settings.
- CEREBO complements but does not replace CT scans for deep tissue assessment.
- Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI): It is brain damage caused by an external force. Mild TBIs affect thinking, movement, or behavior temporarily, while severe TBIs can cause permanent disability or death.
Collegium System of Judicial Appointments in India
03-09-2025
Source: TH
Why in News?
The Supreme Court of India returned to its full sanctioned strength of 34 judges, with the appointment of two new judges recommended by the Collegium system.
What is the Collegium System?
- About: It is India's judicial mechanism for appointing and transferring judges to the Supreme Court and High Courts.
- It is not a direct constitutional provision but evolved from landmark Supreme Court judgments, most notably the "Three Judges Cases".
Evolution of the Collegium System
- First Judges Case (1981): SC held that in the appointment of a judge of the SC or the HC, the word "consultation" in Article 124(2) and in Article 217 of the Constitution does not mean "concurrence".
- It gave the executive primacy over the judiciary in judicial appointments.
- Second Judges Case (1993): The SC overruled the First Judges Case and held that "consultation" in judicial appointments actually meant concurrence.
- The SC ruled that the CJI’s advice on appointing judges is binding on the President. Before giving this advice, the CJI must consult their two senior-most colleagues.
- This judgment led to the creation of the Collegium System, giving primacy to the judiciary in the appointment of judges.
- Third Judges Case (1998): The SC expanded the Collegium to include the CJI and the 4 most senior judges of the court after the CJI.
- Collegium Composition:
- SC Collegium: CJI and four senior-most SC judges.
- HC Collegium: Chief Justice of the HC and two senior-most HC judges.
- Government Role: Can raise objections, but if Collegium reiterates, appointments are binding.
Constitutional Basis for Appointment of Judges
- Article 124: SC judges appointed by the President in consultation with the Chief Justice of India (CJI) and other judges.
- Article 217: HC judges appointed by the President in consultation with CJI, Governor, and HC Chief Justice.
- Ad hoc Judges (Article 127): If quorum of SC judges is not available, CJI (with President’s consent) can request a HC judge to sit in SC.
- Acting CJI (Article 126): In case of vacancy/absence, senior most available SC judge appointed by the President.
- Retired Judges (Article 128): With President’s consent, CJI may request a retired SC judge to sit and act as SC judge for a specified period.
- Appointment Procedures:
- CJI: Outgoing CJI recommends a successor, usually by seniority.
- SC Judges: CJI initiates the recommendation, consulting Collegium members and the senior-most judge from the candidate’s High Court. Their opinions are recorded in writing.
- The Collegium’s recommendation is sent to the Law Minister, then the Prime Minister, who advises the President for the appointment.
- HC Chief Justices/Judges: The Chief Justice of a High Court is appointed by the President in consultation with the CJI and the Governor of the State.
- The procedure for appointing puisne Judges is the same except that the Chief Justice of the High Court concerned is also consulted.

What are the Arguments for and Against the Collegium System of Appointment?
Arguments for
- Separation of Powers: Keeps the judiciary independent from the executive and legislature. Judges can perform their duties without fear, influence, or interference, upholding the principle of separation of powers (Article 50).
- Preservation of Judicial Integrity Senior judges are best placed to assess the legal acumen, integrity, and suitability of potential judges.
- Judges choosing judges preserves the dignity and autonomy of the judiciary as an institution.
- The Collegium System reduces risks of corruption in appointments.
Arguments Against
- Lack of Transparency: The system operates largely in secrecy and lacks transparency, with no published procedure or objective criteria. It can encourage nepotism and favouritism (often called the “uncle judge syndrome”).’
- Misuse of Power: The collegium concentrates power within a few judges, raising concerns of unchecked authority in judicial appointments.
- Inequitable Representation of Communities: Data reveals significant skew in judicial appointments, with 79% of High Court judges (2018–2022) from upper-caste backgrounds, while marginalized communities remain underrepresented.
- Women make up only 4% of Supreme Court judges. Additionally, 331 judicial vacancies existed in High Courts in 2024, highlighting delays in appointments under the collegium system.
- National Judicial Appointments Commission (NJAC): It was a proposed constitutional body in India established by the 99th Constitutional Amendment Act, 2014, intended to replace the collegium system to create a more transparent process based on merit.
- However, the Supreme Court, in Supreme Court Advocates-on-Record Association vs Union of India (commonly known as the Fourth Judges Case, 2015), struck down the 99th Constitutional Amendment and the NJAC, deeming them unconstitutional and a threat to judicial independence as they allowed greater executive involvement in judicial appointments.
Conclusion
The Collegium system, though criticized, remains a cornerstone of India’s judicial independence. It can be further strengthened by introducing checks and balances, greater transparency, and merit-based oversight, while remaining free from executive influence.
|
Drishti Mains Question:
Q. Judicial Appointments in India remain a contested arena between judicial independence and democratic accountability. Examine the evolution and challenges of the Collegium system.
|
UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Question (PYQ)
Prelims
Q. Consider the following statements: (2019)
- The 44th Amendment to the Constitution of India introduced an Article placing the election of the Prime Minister beyond judicial review.
- The Supreme Court of India struck down the 99th Amendment to the Constitution of India as being violative of the independence of judiciary.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Ans: (b)
Mains
Q. Critically examine the Supreme Court’s judgement on the ‘National Judicial Appointments Commission Act, 2014’ with reference to the appointment of judges of higher judiciary in India. (2017)
NCB’s Operation- MED MAX
03-07-2025
Source: TH
The Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), under Operation MED MAX and in coordination with international agencies, has dismantled a transnational drug cartel operating across more than 10 countries in Asia, North America, Europe, and Oceania.
- NCB: Headquartered in New Delhi, NCB is the apex drug law enforcement and intelligence agency in India, constituted in 1986 under the provisions of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985.
- The National Policy on Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances is based on Article 47 of the Indian Constitution, a Directive Principle of State Policy, which mandates the prohibition of the consumption of intoxicating drugs except for medicinal purposes.
- Functions and Powers of NCB: Operates under the Ministry of Home Affairs and coordinates with various central and state agencies for enforcement and policy implementation.
- Significance of NCB in Internal Security: Plays a key role in national security and public health, especially in light of increasing international drug syndicates.
- Leads India’s response to digital and transnational narcotic crimes.
- NCB supports multilateral enforcement actions involving agencies like the US DEA and Interpol.
- Other Major Legislation Governing Drugs: Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940, and Prevention of Illicit Traffic in NDPS Act, 1988.
- India is a signatory to key international conventions like Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs, 1961 (as amended by 1972 Protocol), Convention on Psychotropic Substances, 1971, and UN Convention against Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances, 1988.
NATGRID–NPR Integration
03-01-2026
Source: TH
Why in News?
National Intelligence Grid (NATGRID) has been linked to the National Population Register (NPR), allowing authorised agencies real-time access to family-level demographic data of nearly 119 crore residents, significantly expanding India’s intelligence and investigation architecture.
What are the Key Facts About National Intelligence Grid (NATGRID)?
- NATGRID: It is a secure, integrated intelligence-sharing platform designed to help law enforcement and security agencies access multiple databases in real time for counter-terrorism and criminal investigations.
- NATGRID was conceived in 2009, in the aftermath of the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks (2008), to overcome information silos among security agencies and enable faster, intelligence-led responses.
- It became operational in 2023 and currently processes around 45,000 data access requests per month from authorised agencies.
- Initially limited to 10 central agencies (IB, RAW, NIA, ED, FIU, NCB, DRI, etc.) had access. It has now been expanded to SP-rank officers of State police, strengthening Centre–State coordination.
- Key Tools: Advanced analytics tools like Gandiva support facial recognition, entity resolution, and multi-source data analysis, allowing investigators to identify suspects using images and family-linked NPR data.
- An Organised Crime Network Database is being developed on NATGRID to enable secure data-sharing between the NIA and State Anti-Terror Squads.
- Nature of Data Access: NATGRID allows access to Aadhaar, banking, tax, FASTag, passport, travel, Financial Intelligence Unit and social media data. The information is categorised as non-sensitive, sensitive, and highly sensitive (bank statements, financial and tax data, export-import details).
- Privacy and Safeguards: Each query is logged, purpose-based, and subject to senior officer oversight, but data access without a First Information Report (FIR) raises concerns over privacy, proportionality, and due process.
- Federal Dimension: States have been encouraged to actively use NATGRID, strengthening Centre–State intelligence coordination.
- NATGRID’s architecture is designed to integrate databases connected to nearly 14,000 police stations across the country.
National Population Register (NPR)
- The NPR is a nationwide database containing demographic and family-wise details of residents in India, including name, age, gender, address, and family relationships.
- NPR is the first step for the creation of a countrywide National Register of Citizens (NRC).
- The NPR is prepared under the provisions of the Citizenship Act 1955 and the Citizenship (Registration of Citizens and Issue of National Identity Cards) Rules, 2003. It is mandatory for every “usual resident of India” to register in the NPR.
- A usual resident is a person who has lived in a local area for six months or more, or intends to reside there for the next six months or more.
- NPR data was collected during the 2010–11 Census and last updated in 2015. no decision has been taken to update it during the upcoming Census 2027.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- What is NATGRID and why was it created?
NATGRID is a secure intelligence-sharing platform conceived after the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks to break information silos and enable real-time data access for counter-terrorism and criminal investigations.
- What new capability does linking NATGRID with NPR provide?
It allows authorised agencies real-time access to family-level demographic data of residents, improving suspect identification and network analysis.
- Which law governs the National Population Register?
NPR is prepared under the Citizenship Act, 1955 and the Citizenship (Registration of Citizens and Issue of National Identity Cards) Rules, 2003.
UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Questions (PYQ)
Prelims
Q. Consider the following statements: (2009)
- Between Census 1951 and Census 2001, the density of the population of India has increased more than three times.
- Between Census 1951 and Census 2001, the annual growth rate (exponential) of the population of India has doubled.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Ans: (d)
Quadrilateral Security Dialogue
03-01-2026
Source:TH
Ambassadors of the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (QUAD) countries- the US, India, Australia, and Japan, held a rare publicised meeting in Beijing, describing their ties as “stable and strong.”
- About: The QUAD began as a humanitarian coordination mechanism after the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami.
- Originally proposed in 2007 by Japan’s Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, the framework remained inactive after Australia stepped back in 2008 before being revived in 2017 against the backdrop of China’s growing Indo-Pacific assertiveness.
- It focuses on regional security, economic cooperation, maritime safety, infrastructure, and supply chain resilience, while not being a formal military alliance.
- Vision of the Quad: The 2021 QUAD Leaders’ Summit adopted the “Spirit of the Quad”, reaffirming a free, open, inclusive Indo-Pacific anchored in democratic values, rule of law, and freedom from coercion.
- Key QUAD Initiatives:
- QUAD At Sea Ship Observer Mission: Launched under the Wilmington Declaration (2024) of the QUAD, it is an initiative to boost interoperability, maritime domain awareness, and operational coordination in the Indo-Pacific.
- Malabar Exercise: It is a major annual multilateral naval drill involving the Quad nations, focused on enhancing maritime coordination, interoperability, and readiness in the Indo-Pacific.
- Expansion Potential: The “Quad Plus” engagements have involved countries such as South Korea, New Zealand, and Vietnam, reflecting the grouping’s potential for future expansion.
- China’s Opposition: It has repeatedly opposed the Quad, describing it as “bloc politics like NATO” and warning against cooperation that targets third countries, reinforcing China’s discomfort with Indo-Pacific coalitions.
- Despite China’s claims, the Quad has no mutual defence treaty. It focuses on strategic coordination, maritime security, economic cooperation, and rules-based order, not collective military defence.
Birth Anniversary of Mannathu Padmanabhan
03-01-2026
Source: PIB
The Prime Minister paid tribute to Mannathu Padmanabhan (2nd January 1878 – 25th February 1970) on his birth anniversary, remembering him as a towering social reformer who dedicated his life to dignity, equality, and nation-building.
- About: Mannathu Padmanabhan was a leading social reformer from Kerala, known for challenging caste discrimination and social exclusion.
- Founded the Nair Service Society (NSS) in 1914, he institutionalised social reform, education, and community upliftment, ensuring his ideals endured well beyond his lifetime.
- Influence of Gandhian Thought: Deeply inspired by Mahatma Gandhi, he embraced Satyagraha as a moral and political tool for social justice.
- Champion of Anti-Untouchability Movements: He led the Savarnajatha Satyagraha, advocating temple access for oppressed communities, which contributed to the historic Temple Entry Proclamation.
- His participation in the Vaikom (1924) and Guruvayoor (1931) Satyagraha placed him at the forefront of India’s struggle against caste discrimination.
- He consistently promoted peace, unity, and inter-community harmony, strengthening Kerala’s pluralistic ethos.
- Awards & Recognition: He was awarded the Padma Bhushan (1966) and honoured with the title Bharata Kesari by the President of India for his contributions to social reform.
- Freedom Fighter: Actively involved in the Indian national movement especially in Travancore, he faced imprisonment, reflecting his commitment to both political freedom and social reform.
- Transformational Legacy: He revitalised an entire community by teaching the philosophy of action, unity, and self-change. His influence continues across generations, firmly embedded in Kerala’s social, political, and cultural history.

World AIDS Day 2025
02-12-2025
Source: PIB
Why in News?
The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare organised the World AIDS Day 2025 observance under the theme “Overcoming disruption, transforming the AIDS response” and highlighted the national progress on AIDS control.
- In 1998, WHO marked the first World AIDS Day on 1st December to recognize the crucial role of civil society in driving a global response to HIV/AIDS.
What is Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)/AIDS?
- About: HIV is a virus that attacks the immune system, primarily damaging CD4 cells (white blood cells), weakening the body and making it vulnerable to infections and cancers.
- Transmission: Occurs via direct contact with infected bodily fluids (blood, semen, breast milk, vaginal fluids) like unprotected sex, shared needles, or unsterilized tattooing. It is not spread through casual contact.
- Symptoms: Early signs include fever and rash. Later stages may involve swollen lymph nodes, weight loss, and diarrhea. Severe HIV can lead to opportunistic illnesses such as tuberculosis, meningitis, and cancers like lymphoma.
- Treatment: There is no cure. However, lifelong daily Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) effectively controls the virus.
- Global Response: UN Sustainable Development Goal 3.3 aims to end the HIV epidemic as a public health threat by 2030.
What is India's National AIDS Control Programme (NACP)?
- About NCAP: National AIDS Control Programme (NACP) is India’s initiative for the prevention, control, and management of HIV/AIDS.
- It is implemented by the National AIDS Control Organisation (NACO) under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
- AIDS stands for Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome. It is the advanced, final stage of infection caused by the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV).
- Evolution of NACP: Launched in 1992, NACP has evolved through several phases, each with a strategic focus:
- NACP I (1992–1999): Launched India's first comprehensive programme to slow the spread of HIV.
- NACP II (1999–2006): Focused on reducing transmission and strengthening national capacity.
- NACP III (2007–2012): Aimed to halt and reverse the epidemic by scaling up prevention and integrating services.
- Established District AIDS Prevention and Control Units (DAPCUs).
- NACP IV (2012–2017 & extended to 2021): Accelerated reversal and integrated care.
- It aimed 50% reduction in new infections (compared to 2007 baseline)Key initiatives included:
- The HIV/AIDS (Prevention and Control) Act, 2017, prohibiting discrimination.
- Mission Sampark to re-engage People Living with HIV (PLHIV) lost to follow-up.
- 'Test and Treat' policy and universal viral load monitoring.
- NACP V (2021–2026): A Central Sector Scheme with an outlay of over Rs 15,000 crore, aligning with SDG 3.3 to end AIDS as a public health threat by 2030.

- Achievement of NACP:
- India’s HIV prevalence dropped from 0.33% in 2010 to 0.20% in 2024, far below the global average of 0.70%, showing India’s strong control over the epidemic.
- New HIV infections fell from 1.25 lakh in 2010 to 64,500 in 2024—a 49% decline, better than the global reduction of 40%.
- India now accounts for only 5% of global new infections (1.3 million in 2024), reflecting effective government efforts and wider ART access.
- Under NACP-V, HIV testing increased from 4.13 crore (2020-21) to 6.62 crore (2024-25), People on antiretroviral treatment rose from 14.94 lakh to 18.60 lakh.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q. What is HIV and how is it transmitted?
HIV attacks the immune system, primarily CD4 cells, and spreads via infected bodily fluids—blood, semen, vaginal fluids, or breast milk. Casual contact does not transmit the virus.
Q. What is the primary goal of the National AIDS Control Programme (NACP) Phase-V?
NACP-V aims to end AIDS as a public health threat by 2030, aligning with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3.3, through comprehensive prevention, testing, and treatment.
Q. What are the key achievements of India under NACP-V?
HIV testing increased from 4.13 crore to 6.62 crore, ART coverage rose from 14.94 lakh to 18.60 lakh, and viral load testing nearly doubled.
UPSC Civil Services Examination Previous Year Question (PYQ)
Q. Which of the following diseases can be transmitted from one person to another through tattooing? (2013)
- Chikungunya
- Hepatitis B
- HIV-AIDS
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Ans: (b)
Q. Which one of the following statements is not correct? (2019)
(a) Hepatitis B virus is transmitted much like HIV.
(b) Hepatitis B unlike Hepatitis C, does not have a vaccine.
(c) Globally, the number of people infected with Hepatitis B and C viruses arc several times more than those infected with HIV.
(d) Some of those infected with Hepatitis B and C viruses do not show the symptoms for many years.
Ans: (b)
Q. With regard to the transmission of the Human Immunodeficiency Virus, which one of the following statements is not correct? (2010)
(a) The chances of transmission from female to male are twice as likely as from male to female
(b) The chances of transmission are more if a person suffers from other sexually transmitted infections
(c) An infected mother can transmit the infection to her baby during pregnancy, at childbirth and by breast feeding
(d) The risk of contracting infection from transfusion of infected blood is much higher than an exposure to contaminated needle
Ans: (a)
Q. Consider the following statements: (2010)
- Hepatitis B is several times more infectious than HIV/AIDS
- Hepatitis B can cause liver cancer
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Ans: (c)
Antarctica Day and 25 Years of NCPOR
02-12-2025
Source: PIB
India celebrated Antarctica Day (1st December) while also marking 25 years of the National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR), Goa reaffirming its role as the country’s lead institution for polar and ocean exploration.
- Antarctica Day: It commemorates the Antarctica Treaty (1959), that set aside nearly 10% of Earth for peaceful purposes and scientific research.
- The Treaty froze territorial claims to the continent, banned nuclear weapons and waste on the continent, and preserved the entire region south of 60 degrees south latitude for peaceful purposes.
- India has been a Consultative Party since 1983, giving it voting rights and the ability to operate research stations and contribute to Antarctica’s scientific and environmental governance.
- NCPOR: It was established in 1998 under the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES), NCPOR is India’s nodal agency for coordinating the Indian Antarctic Programme and maintaining the Maitri (1989) and Bharati (2011) research stations.
Assam’s Three-Tier Classification of STs
02-12-2025
Source: ET
Why in News?
Assam is facing unrest after a Group of Ministers (GoM) proposed a new three-tier Scheduled Tribes (ST) classification to grant ST status to six communities. While the move has satisfied the applicant groups, it has triggered strong opposition from existing tribals, sparking protests across the state.
What did Assam’s GoM Recommend on ST Classification?
- The GoM proposed a three-tier ST structure:
- ST (Plains): Continues for existing tribal communities in the plains.
- ST (Hills): Remains unchanged for existing hill tribes.
- ST (Valley): Newly suggested category for the six communities demanding ST status: Ahom, Chutia, Moran, Matak, Koch-Rajbongshi, and Tea Tribes/Adivasis.
- The GoM said this structure would let the state reorganise reservations without reducing the existing entitlements of ST (Plains) and ST (Hills).
- Separate quotas would apply for state jobs and education, but all groups would share a single ST list for central services.
- Notes that Parliament must pass special legislation for statutory approval of the three-tier classification.
How are Scheduled Tribes Notified in India?
- Article 366(25): “Scheduled Tribes” refers to the tribes or tribal groups that are recognised as STs under Article 342.
- Article 342: The President can notify which tribes or tribal groups are recognised as Scheduled Tribes for each State or Union Territory, after consulting the Governor.
- Any later inclusion or removal from this ST list can be done only by Parliament through legislation, not by executive notification.
- ST Categorization: The term “Scheduled Tribes” appears in the Constitution, but it does not lay down criteria for identifying them.
- The government set up the Lokur Committee in 1956, which defined a tribe using criteria such as primitive traits, a distinctive culture, geographical isolation, shyness of contact with the wider community, and social and economic backwardness.
- Before independence, the 1931 Census described such groups as “backward tribes” living in excluded or partially excluded areas.
- In State of Punjab v. Davinder Singh (2024), the Supreme Court upheld the validity of sub-classifying SCs and STs and allowed states to create sub-groups to ensure fair distribution of benefits.
- Reservation in Services/ Posts:
- Article 16(4): Permits reservations for backward classes who are inadequately represented in state services.
- Article 46: The State must promote the educational and economic interests of weaker sections, especially SCs and STs, and protect them from social injustice and exploitation.
- Article 335: The claims of SCs and STs must be considered in appointments to Union or State services, while maintaining administrative efficiency.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q. Who notifies Scheduled Tribes under the Constitution?
The President notifies STs for each State/UT after consulting the Governor (Article 342); additions/removals can be made only by Parliament through law.
Q. Does the Constitution define criteria for identifying Scheduled Tribes?
No — the Constitution names STs but does not define criteria; the Lokur Committee (1956) recommended criteria like primitive traits, distinct culture, geographic isolation and backwardness.
Q. Can states sub-classify SCs/STs for reservations?
Following State of Punjab v. Davinder Singh (2024), the Supreme Court upheld sub-classification and permitted states to create sub-groups to ensure equitable benefit distribution, subject to law and constitutional limits.
Summary
- Assam’s GoM has proposed a three-tier ST structure — ST (Plains), ST (Hills) and a new ST (Valley) — to include six additional communities.
- The proposal aims to reorganise state-level reservations while keeping existing ST quotas intact.
- Articles 342 and 366(25) outline how STs are notified: the President specifies them after consulting the Governor, and only Parliament can later add or remove groups.
- Articles 15(4), 16(4), 46 and 335 together empower reservation, welfare measures, and protection of SCs/STs while ensuring administrative efficiency.
- The Constitution does not define criteria for identifying STs. The Lokur Committee (1956) proposed criteria such as primitive traits, distinct culture, geographic isolation, shyness of contact and backwardness.
UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Question:
Prelims
Q.1 Consider the following pairs: (2013)
Tribe State
- Limboo (Limbu) - Sikkim
- Karbi - Himachal Pradesh
- Dongaria Kondh - Odisha
- Bonda - Tamil Nadu
Which of the above pairs are correctly matched?
(a) 1 and 3 only
(b) 2 and 4 only
(c) 1, 3 and 4 only
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
Ans: (a)
Q.2 Consider the following statements about Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) in India: (2019)
- PVTGs reside in 18 States and one Union Territory.
- A stagnant or declining population is one of the criteria for determining PVTG status.
- There are 95 PVTGs officially notified in the country so far.
- Irular and Konda Reddi tribes are included in the list of PVTGs.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
(a) 1, 2 and 3
(b) 2, 3 and 4
(c) 1, 2 and 4
(d) 1, 3 and 4
Ans: (c)
Q3. Consider the following organizations/bodies in India: (2023)
- The National Commission for Backward Classes
- The National Human Rights Commission
- The National Law Commission
- The National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission
How many of the above constitutional bodies?
(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) Only three
(d) All four
Ans: (a)
Aadi Vaani: AI Translator for Tribal Languages
02-09-2025
Source: TH
The Union government launched the beta version of Aadi Vaani, India’s First AI-powered Translator for Adivasi languages, to strengthen communication and capacity-building in tribal districts.
- Purpose: Translate speech and text between Hindi, English, and six Adivasi languages: Bhili, Mundari, Gondi, Santali, Kui, and Garo.
- AI Model & Target Use: Based on NLLB (No Language Left Behind) and IndicTrans2, adapted for low-resource languages.
- Tested through Adi Karmayogi, a nationwide capacity-building initiative in tribal districts covering 1 lakh villages and 20 lakh volunteers.
BHASHINI (BHASHa INterface for India)
- As a National Language Translation Mission, BHASHINI under Digital India, uses artificial intelligence (AI) and natural language processing (NLP) to make digital content and services accessible in multiple Indian languages.
- It is implemented by the Digital India BHASHINI Division under the Ministry of Electronics and IT.
- Purpose: Provides translation across 22+ Indian languages, promoting digital inclusion and accessibility. BHASHINI aimed at democratizing access to digital content and services across India’s linguistic spectrum.
- Applications: Enables translation of text, video, documents, web content, and real-time speech, ensuring multilingual access and inclusivity.
- Integration with Government Platforms: Integrated with e-Shram, e-Gram Swaraj, CPGRAMS, All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) and University Grants Commission (UGC) for content translation.
Exercise Yudh Kaushal 3.0
02-09-2025
Source: TH
The Indian Army conducted Exercise Yudh Kaushal 3.0 in the Kameng region of Arunachal Pradesh.
Exercise Yudh Kaushal
- About: It is a series of Indian Army exercises designed to strengthen combat readiness, operational effectiveness, and the integration of modern technologies.
- Key Features: It involves multi-domain operations by combining traditional warfare with next-gen technologies like drones, unmanned systems, precision weapons, secure communications, and advanced tactics.
- It often involves joint operations with the Indian Air Force, and participation from the Indian defence industry and academia.
- Yudh Kaushal 2025: Conducted by the IV (Gajraj) Corps, the exercise involved multi-domain operations, including drone surveillance, real-time targeting, precision strikes, air–littoral dominance, and integrated battlefield tactics.
- It saw the operational debut of ASHNI platoons, the Indian Army’s dedicated drone units that combine advanced technology with proven combat tactics, giving infantry a decisive edge in next-generation warfare.
Banking Laws (Amendment) Act, 2025
02-08-2025
Source: PIB
Why in News?
Key provisions of the Banking Laws (Amendment) Act, 2025 have come into force, aiming to enhance banking governance, improve audit transparency, strengthen depositor protection, and bring cooperative banks under a more robust regulatory framework.
What is Banking Laws (Amendment) Act, 2025?
- About: The Banking Laws (Amendment) Act, 2025 is a legislative reform enacted to modernize and strengthen the legal, regulatory, and governance framework of the Indian banking sector.
- The bill related to it was passed by Lok Sabha in December 2024 and by Rajya Sabha in March 2025.
- Key Amendments:
- It introduced 19 amendments across following 5 core banking legislations:
- Key Reforms:
- Revised Substantial Interest Threshold: The threshold for determining ‘substantial interest’ has been revised from Rs 5 lakh to Rs 2 crore (which remained unchanged since 1968), aligning with present-day economic realities.
- ‘Substantial interest’ refers to a director's or officer's significant financial stake in a firm, which may cause a conflict of interest. It is determined by the paid-up share capital held by them or their relatives exceeding the specified limit.
- Cooperative Bank Reforms: Director tenures in cooperative banks extended from 8 to 10 years (excluding chairperson and whole-time directors), aligning with the 97th Constitutional Amendment Act, 2011 and promoting governance continuity.
- Under 97th CAA, 2011, the right to form cooperative societies was included as Right to Freedom under Article 19(1).
- Investor Protection & Fund Transparency: Public sector banks (PSBs) can transfer unclaimed shares, interests, and bonds to the Investor Education and Protection Fund (IEPF).
- It is in parity with Companies Act, 2013 norms to enhance transparency and depositor awareness.
- Audit Quality in PSBs: Authorizes PSBs to determine and provide remuneration to statutory auditors.
- It aims to attract high-quality audit professionals, improve audit standards, and promote financial transparency in public sector banking.
UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Question (PYQ)
Prelims
Q. With reference to ‘Urban Cooperative Banks’ in India, consider the following statements: (2021)
- They are supervised and regulated by local boards set up by the State Governments.
- They can issue equity shares and preference shares.
- They were brought under the purview of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949 through an Amendment in 1966.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Ans: (b)
Q. With reference to the ‘Banks Board Bureau (BBB)’, which of the following statements are correct? (2022)
- The Governor of RBI is the Chairman of BBB.
- BBB recommends for the selection of heads for Public Sector Banks.
- BBB helps the Public Sector Banks in developing strategies and capital raising plans.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Ans: (b)
Earth’s Oldest-Known Rocks
02-07-2025
Source: TH
A volcanic rock belt in Quebec’s (Canada) Nuvvuagittuq Greenstone Belt, dated to be 4.16 billion years old, has been identified as the oldest-known rock on Earth, originating from the Hadean eon (4.5–4.03 billion years ago), when Earth itself was formed about 4.6 billion years ago.
- The rocks are metamorphosed volcanic basalt, formed when magma solidified underground, and provide clues about Earth’s early crust, primordial oceans, and the environment where life may have begun.
- Two radioactive dating methods (samarium-neodymium decay) confirmed the age, making them the oldest-known intact rocks.
- Zircon crystals from Australia (4.4 billion years old) remain the oldest mineral fragments, but the Quebec rocks are the oldest intact geological formations.
- The Hadean eon (4.5–4.03 billion years ago) was previously thought to be a molten hellscape (extremely harsh, hostile, or dangerous to life), but evidence suggests a cooling crust, shallow oceans, and an early atmosphere.

BEE Standards and Labelling Programme
02-01-2026
Source: TH
Why in News?
The Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) has tightened India’s energy efficiency regime by making star labelling mandatory for a wider range of appliances, thereby expanding compulsory energy performance disclosure under the Standards and Labelling (S&L) Programme.
What is the BEE’s Standards and Labelling (S&L) Programme?
- Background: Launched in 2006 under the Energy Conservation Act, 2001 by the Ministry of Power, Government of India, and implemented by the BEE.
- Objective: S&L Programme enables informed consumer choice, reduces electricity consumption and energy bills, and encourages manufacturers to adopt energy-efficient technologies.
- Star Labelling System: A key feature of the programme is the star labelling system, which rates appliances on a scale of one to five stars based on their energy efficiency.
- Five stars indicating the most energy-efficient product within a given category, making efficiency comparison simple and visual for consumers.
- Under the programme, appliances are tested against prescribed Indian Standards and assigned star ratings based on their energy consumption and performance parameters, with labels displaying essential information such as star rating, annual energy use, product category, and brand.
- Coverage: The programme covers a wide range of household appliances and industrial equipment, with some products brought under mandatory star labelling and others under voluntary labelling, depending on government notifications and market readiness.
- Labels under the S&L Programme:
- Comparative Label: Shows 1–5 star ratings to compare energy efficiency among models of the same product category. It helps consumers easily identify the most energy-efficient appliance.
- Endorsement Label: Certifies products that meet minimum energy performance standards notified by BEE. It assures compliance with efficiency norms rather than comparison.
- Dynamic Nature: To keep pace with technological advancements, BEE periodically revises star rating criteria, ensuring that efficiency benchmarks remain relevant and that manufacturers continuously improve product efficiency.
- Significance: It plays a crucial role in curbing national electricity demand, lowering consumer power bills, and cutting carbon emissions. Notably, Standards and Labelling (S&L) programmes have already reduced around 60 million tonnes of CO₂ annually, while also strengthening India’s long-term energy security.

India’s Energy Efficiency Initiatives
- National Mission for Enhanced Energy Efficiency (NMEEE): It is one of the eight national missions under the National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC). NMEEE consist of four initiatives to enhance energy efficiency in energy intensive industries which are as follows:
- Perform, Achieve and Trade (PAT) Scheme: Improves efficiency in energy-intensive industries through mandatory targets and tradable Energy Saving Certificates (ESCerts).
- Energy Efficiency Financing Platform (EEFP): Facilitates access to finance for energy efficiency projects by connecting project developers with financial institutions.
- Market Transformation for Energy Efficiency (MTEE): Encourages uptake of super-efficient technologies through policy and financial interventions.
- Framework for Energy Efficient Economic Development (FEEED): It provides partial credit guarantees to cover default risk on energy efficiency loans, with guarantees for up to 5 years and 40–75% of the loan amount or Rs 15 crore per project.

- Energy Conservation Building Code (ECBC), 2017: Sets minimum energy performance standards for commercial buildings to curb energy use.
- Unnat Jyoti by Affordable LEDs for All (UJALA): Accelerates adoption of LED lighting and efficient fans to reduce household bills and peak power demand.
- Bachat Lamp Yojna (BLY): The programme was developed for replacement of inefficient bulbs with Compact Fluorescent Lamps (CFLs).
- Street Lighting National Programme: Its objectives include reducing energy consumption, lowering operational costs for municipalities, and fostering a market transformation towards energy-efficient appliances.
- BEE State Energy Efficiency Index: It assesses and compares the energy efficiency performance of Indian States and Union Territories, enabling data-driven monitoring, healthy inter-state competition, and identification of best practices and policy gaps across key sectors.
- States are classified into Front Runners (>60%), Achievers (50-60%), Contenders (30-50%), and Aspirants (<30%), reflecting their relative progress.
Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE)
- The BEE under the Ministry of Power, was established in 2002 under the Energy Conservation Act, 2001
- BEE’s vision is to drive accelerated and sustained adoption of energy efficiency across sectors, contributing to India’s sustainable development.
- The BEE performs key regulatory functions that include developing minimum energy performance standards and star labelling for appliances, formulating Energy Conservation Building Codes, and prescribing energy consumption norms for designated consumers.
- It also certifies and accredits Energy Managers and Energy Auditors, defines the manner and periodicity of mandatory energy audits for tracking energy use and implementation of audit recommendations.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- What is the Standards and Labelling (S&L) Programme?
It is an energy efficiency programme launched in 2006 under the Energy Conservation Act, 2001 to rate appliances on a 1–5 star scale based on energy performance.
- Who implements the S&L Programme in India?
The programme is implemented by the Bureau of Energy Efficiency under the Ministry of Power.
- Why is expansion of mandatory star labelling significant?
It improves transparency, reduces electricity demand, lowers consumer bills, and has already cut about 60 million tonnes of CO₂ annually.
- What is the National Mission for Enhanced Energy Efficiency (NMEEE)?
NMEEE is a mission under NAPCC focusing on industrial and market-based energy efficiency through PAT, MTEE, EEFP, and FEEED.
- What is the purpose of the State Energy Efficiency Index (SEEI)?
It assesses and compares energy efficiency performance of States and UTs, encouraging data-driven governance and healthy competition.
UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Question:
Prelims
Q. With reference to street lighting, how do sodium lamps differ from LED lamps? ( 2021)
- Sodium lamps produce light at 360 degrees but it is not so in the case of LED lamps.
- As street lights, sodium lamps have a longer lifespan than LED lamps.
- The spectrum of visible light from sodium lamps is almost monochromatic, while LED lamps offer significant colour advantages in street lighting.
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
(a) 3 only
(b) 2 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Ans: (c)
Q. On which of the following can you find the Bureau of Energy Efficiency Star Label? (2016)
- Ceiling fans
- Electric geysers
- Tubular fluorescent lamps
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 3 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Ans: (d)
National Investigation Agency (NIA)
02-01-2026
Source: TH
In 2025, the National Investigation Agency recorded a landmark counter-terror performance with an over 92% conviction rate, reflecting a significantly strengthened internal security enforcement framework.
National Investigation Agency (NIA)
- Status & Mandate: The NIA is India’s federal counter-terror agency responsible for investigating and prosecuting terrorism, insurgency and national security crimes of pan-India impact.
-
Legal Powers: Established in 2009 under the NIA Act, 2008 and strengthened by the NIA (Amendment) Act, 2019, it can take over cases from States, investigate across State boundaries without prior consent, and exercise extra-territorial jurisdiction.
- Core Functions: The NIA collects, analyses and disseminates counter-terror intelligence, coordinates with domestic and international law-enforcement agencies, and conducts capacity-building programmes to strengthen national security enforcement.
- Taking Up a Probe: Under Section 6 of the NIA Act, 2008, cases can be referred by States or taken up suo motu by the Centre, including for offences committed outside India, with Central Government sanction required for prosecution under Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967 and other scheduled offences.
- Specialised Focus & Trial: The NIA has dedicated mechanisms for Left Wing Extremism (LWE) terror-financing investigations, can probe connected offences during investigation, and presents cases before designated NIA Special Courts for trial.
MH60R Helicopter
01-12-2025
Source:PIB
India has signed Letters of Offer and Acceptance (LOAs) worth Rs 7,995 crore with the US for five-year sustainment support of the Indian Navy’s MH-60R multi-role helicopters.
- The Sustainment package includes spares, product support, training, technical assistance, repair and replenishment, and setting up intermediate-level repair and maintenance facilities in India.
- India signed a deal in 2020 to procure 24 MH-60R Seahawk helicopters from the US, with full deliveries expected by 2025.
- The Indian Navy commissioned its first MH-60R squadron in 2024, at INS Garuda in Kochi.
- MH 60R Seahawk (a maritime variant of the Blackhawk helicopter) is an advanced, all-weather, multi-role platform with anti-submarine warfare (ASW) capability, crucial for India’s maritime security.
- The helicopter comes equipped with a range of sensors, including a multi-mode radar, electronic support measures system, electro-optical/infrared camera, datalinks, aircraft survivability systems, dipping sonar, and sonobuoys.
UN Secretary-General
01-12-2025
Source: UN
Why in News?
The United Nations has officially launched the selection process to choose the next Secretary-General (SG), who will take office in January 2027 once Antonio Guterres completes his second term on 31st December 2026.
What are the Key Facts About the UN Secretary-General?
- About: The Secretary-General (SG) is the chief administrative officer of the United Nations under Article 97 of the UN Charter.
- SG is equal parts diplomat and advocate, civil servant and CEO, a symbol of UN ideals and a spokesperson for the world’s peoples, especially the poor and vulnerable.
- Traditionally, the post rotates among regions, though this is not legally binding.
- All UN Secretaries-General so far have been men, prompting calls for a woman SG.
- Selection and Appointment of SG:
- Initiation: sg selection process begins with a joint invitation from the Presidents of the UNGA and UNSC for Member States to submit nominations.
- Each nominee submits a vision statement, curriculum vitae and campaign financing disclosures.
- Security Council Screening: Conducts informal consultations and secret straw polls marking candidates as “encourage”, “discourage” or “no opinion”.
- Ballots from the five permanent members (US, UK, Russia, China, France) are colour-coded to indicate potential vetoes.
- Threshold for Recommendation: Candidate requires at least nine votes and no veto to move forward.
- UNSC Resolution: Council adopts a formal resolution recommending one candidate to the General Assembly.
- General Assembly Appointment: UNGA approves the recommendation by simple majority or by acclamation.
- Term: Five-year tenure, generally renewable once.
- Role of SG:
- Administrative and Executive Duties: Acts as the chief administrative officer of the UN under Article 97 of the Charter.
- Heads the UN Secretariat, overseeing staff, budgets and operations across global missions and programmes.
- Chairs the UN System Chief Executives Board (CEB) for system-wide coordination.
- Performs functions assigned by the Security Council, General Assembly, ECOSOC, and other UN bodies.
- SG can bring to the Security Council’s attention any matter that may threaten international peace and security (Article 99).
- SG holds a mandate that combines administrative responsibilities with considerable political discretion.
- Diplomatic and Mediation Role: The SG uses their “good offices” to prevent or ease conflicts through quiet diplomacy, public appeals and mediation.
- They travel widely to meet governments and communities, staying closely connected to global concerns.
- Symbolic and Advocacy Role: The Secretary-General serves as the UN’s moral voice, promoting peace, justice and multilateral cooperation.
- The role requires balancing Member States’ concerns while upholding the principles and values of the UN Charter.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q. What is the legal basis for appointing the UN Secretary-General?
Appointment is done by the UN General Assembly on the recommendation of the Security Council as provided by Article 97 of the UN Charter.
Q. How are candidates for Secretary-General nominated?
Member States submit nominations after a joint invitation from the Presidents of the UNGA and UNSC; nominees normally provide a vision statement, CV and campaign financing disclosures.
Q. What majority is required for a Security Council recommendation?
A candidate typically needs at least nine affirmative votes in the member Council and must face no veto from any permanent member to be recommended.
UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Questions (PYQs)
Prelims
Q. With reference to the “United Nations Credentials Committee”, consider the following statements: (2022)
- It is a committee set up by the UN Security Council and works under its supervision.
- It traditionally meets in March, June and September every year
- It assesses the credentials of all UN members before submitting a report to the General Assembly for approval.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (2022)
(a) 3 only
(b) 1 and 3
(c) 2 and 3
(d) 1 and 2
Ans: (a)
Q. With reference to the United Nations, consider the following statements: (2009)
- The Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) of the UN consists of 24 member States.
- It is elected by a 2/3rd majority of the General Assembly for a 3-year term.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Ans: (b)
India Secures Six-Month US Waiver for Chabahar Port
01-11-2025
Source: TH
Why in News?
India has received a six-month waiver from US sanctions on Iran’s Chabahar Port, allowing continued Indian operations there until at least April 2026.
What are the Key Facts About the Chabahar Port?
- Location and Geography: Chabahar Port is situated in Iran’s Sistan-Baluchestan province on the Gulf of Oman, near the mouth of the Strait of Hormuz.
- The Chabahar Port project comprises two ports - Shahid Kalantari and Shahid Beheshti.
- It is Iran’s only oceanic and deep water port, giving direct access to the Indian Ocean.
- The Chabahar port is located about 170 km west of Pakistan’s Gwadar Port, which is being developed by China under the China–Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).
- Strategic and Economic Importance for India: Chabahar Port provides direct access to Afghanistan and Central Asia, bypassing Pakistan.
- India–Iran Cooperation: India entered into an agreement in 2005 with Iran to develop the port.
- India and Iran signed an MoU in 2015 to develop the Shahid Beheshti Terminal at Chabahar, which India formally took over in 2018 through India Ports Global Ltd. (IPGL).
- In 2016, a Trilateral Agreement was signed between India, Iran, and Afghanistan to establish an international transport and transit corridor through Chabahar.
- US Sanctions and Waivers: In 2018, the US granted India a waiver for Chabahar, recognising its role in supporting Afghanistan’s development. Later, the waiver was revoked in September 2025 making any entity linked with Chabahar liable to penalties under the Iran Freedom and Counter-Proliferation Act, 2012.
- The six-month US sanctions waiver (October 2025–April 2026) allows uninterrupted Indian operations at the port.
- Current Status and Developments (as of 2025): The Taliban regime in Afghanistan has expressed interest in using Chabahar for trade, recognising its economic importance.
- Efforts are ongoing to integrate Chabahar with INSTC and the proposed Chabahar–Zahedan–Mashhad rail link (with Iranian Railways).
- The port continues to serve as a strategic node for India’s westward outreach despite geopolitical shifts.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Where is the Chabahar Port located?
It is situated in Iran’s Sistan–Baluchestan province on the Gulf of Oman, near the Strait of Hormuz.
2. What are the two main ports at Chabahar Port?
Shahid Beheshti and Shahid Kalantari are the two principal terminals; India was offered development of Shahid Beheshti and operates it through IPGL.
3. Which corridor links Chabahar Port with Russia and Europe?
The International North–South Transport Corridor (INSTC).
4. Why is Chabahar strategically important for India?
It provides a direct sea–land route to Afghanistan and Central Asia bypassing Pakistan, links to INSTC, and counters Chinese influence via China–Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC)
UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Question (PYQ)
Prelims
Q. What is the importance of developing Chabahar Port by India? (2017)
(a) India’s trade with African countries will enormously increase.
(b) India’s relations with oil-producing Arab countries will be strengthened.
(c) India will not depend on Pakistan for access to Afghanistan and Central Asia.
(d) Pakistan will facilitate and protect the installation of a gas pipeline between Iraq and India.
Ans: (c)
India Crosses 500 GW Power Capacity Mark
01-11-2025
Source: PIB
India has achieved a significant milestone with the nation’s total installed electricity capacity surpassing 500 GW. More than 51% of this capacity now originates from non-fossil fuel sources.
- Breakdown of India’s Power Capacity:
- Total Installed Capacity: 500.89 GW
- Non-fossil fuel sources: 256.09 GW (≈51%) including Solar(127.33 GW), Wind (53.12 GW), Hydro (30.29 GW) and Nuclear (45.25 GW).
- Fossil-fuel-based sources: 244.80 GW (≈49%)

- Renewables Hit Record High: India has emerged as a global renewable energy leader, ranking:
- Meeting National Targets Ahead of Time: With this progress, India has already achieved one of its major COP26 (Glasgow, 2021) Panchamrit goals — to have 50 % of installed electric power capacity from non-fossil fuel sources by 2030, five years early.
- Significance:
- This shows India’s rapid pace of renewable capacity expansion and gradual decline in fossil fuel dependency.
- It was the first time over half of India’s electricity came from green sources in a single day - a symbol of the nation’s growing energy resilience and sustainability.
- This underscores India’s leadership in climate action while maintaining grid stability and energy reliability.

- Flagship Programs Related to Renewable Energy:
Kendriya Grihmantri Dakshata Padak 2025
01-11-2025
Source: PIB
The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has honoured 1,466 personnel from various States, Union Territories, Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) and Central Police Organisations (CPOs) with the ‘Kendriya Grihmantri Dakshata Padak 2025’.
- Kendriya Grihmantri Dakshata Padak: Instituted by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) in February 2024, it is announced annually on 31st October, marking the birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, India’s first Home Minister.
-
It honours excellence in Special Operations, Investigation, Intelligence, and Forensic Science, promoting professionalism, high ethical standards, and motivation among security and police personnel.
- Scope: Conferred on members of Police Forces, Security Organizations, Intelligence Wings, CAPFs, CPOs, and Forensic Science institutions across the country.
India’s manufacturing sector shows momentum but faces persistent bottlenecks
01-10-2025
Source: IE
Why in News?
Climate Activist Sonam Wangchuk was detained under the National Security Act (NSA), 1980, which allows the government to act pre-emptively against individuals considered a threat to public order or national security.
What is Preventive Detention?
- About: Preventive detention means holding a person not for a crime already committed, but to prevent possible future actions that may threaten public order, security, or essential supplies.
- Preventive detention is anticipatory, imposed based on the likelihood of harmful actions in the future, while punitive detention is imposed as punishment after conviction through due legal process.
- Constitutional Provisions: Article 22 explicitly permits preventive detention in India. A person can be detained for up to 3 months without approval from an Advisory Board (comprising High Court–qualified judges).
- For detention beyond 3 months, approval of an Advisory Board is required.
- Parliament may prescribe conditions for detention beyond 3 months, set maximum periods, and lay down Advisory Board procedures.
- The detained person must be informed of the grounds of detention, though certain facts may be withheld in the public interest.
- The detainee should be given the earliest opportunity to challenge the order through a representation.
- Significance: Preventive detention supports Article 355, which mandates that the Union must protect states against external aggression and internal disturbances and ensure state governments function according to the Constitution.
- Key Laws Related to Preventive Detention in India:
- Supreme Court on Preventive Detention:
- Ameena Begum vs The State of Telangana (2023): The court held that preventive detention is an exceptional measure meant for emergency situations and should not be used routinely.
- Rekha vs State of Tamil Nadu (2011): SC ruled that preventive detention is an exception to Article 21 and should be applied rarely and only in exceptional cases.
- Anukul Chandra Pradhan, Advocate v. Union Of India & Ors (1997): Emphasised that the purpose of preventive detention is to prevent harm to the security of the state, rather than to impose punishment.
What is the National Security Act,1980?
- Background: Preventive detention in India dates back to colonial times, when it was used to curb dissent during wars. After Independence, Parliament enacted the Preventive Detention Act, 1950, followed by the Maintenance of Internal Security Act (MISA), 1971, which was widely misused during the Emergency before being repealed in 1978.
- In 1980, the National Security Act (NSA) was introduced. It empowers the Centre, states, District Magistrates, and authorised Police Commissioners to detain individuals to prevent actions “prejudicial to India’s defence, foreign relations, security, public order, or essential supplies.”
- Detention Orders: A detention order under the NSA functions like a warrant of arrest. Once detained, a person can be held in designated places, moved across states, and subjected to conditions set by the government.
- Procedural Requirements: Grounds of detention must be communicated within 5 to 15 days. The detainee can submit a representation to the government. An Advisory Board of High Court judges must review the case within 3 weeks.
- If the Board finds “no sufficient cause,” the detainee must be released.
- Maximum detention period is 12 months, though it can be revoked earlier.
- Limitations of Safeguards: Detainees cannot have legal representation before the Advisory Board. The government can withhold certain facts citing “public interest.” These provisions leave considerable discretion in the hands of authorities, raising concerns about potential misuse.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is preventive detention under Indian law?
Holding a person to prevent potential threats to public order, security, or essential supplies, not as punishment.
2. Which constitutional provision governs preventive detention in India?
Article 22 permits preventive detention, allowing up to 3 months without Advisory Board approval and longer detention with review by an Advisory Board of High Court judges.
3. What is the National Security Act,1980?
The NSA is a preventive detention law that allows authorities to detain individuals to protect India’s security, public order, and essential supplies.
UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Questions (PYQs)
Prelims
Q. Consider the following statements:
- According to the Constitution of India, the Central Government has a duty to protect States from internal disturbances.
- The Constitution of India exempts the States from providing legal counsel to a person being held under preventive detention.
- According to the Prevention of Terrorism Act (POTA), 2002, a confession made by the accused to the police cannot be used as evidence.
How many of the above statements are correct?
(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) All three
(d) None
Ans: B
International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO)
01-10-2025
Source: PIB
India has been re-elected to the Part II of the Council of International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) for the 2025–2028 term.
- ICAO: The ICAO, a specialized United Nations agency established in 1944 through the signing of the Convention on International Civil Aviation in Chicago, sets global standards for safe and peaceful air navigation.
- ICAO promotes the orderly growth of international air transport. Headquartered in Montreal, Canada, it has 193 member states, including India.
- The ICAO Assembly, held every three years, is the organization’s sovereign body and includes all 193 signatory States of the Chicago Convention.
- The 36-member ICAO Council, divided into three parts, is elected by the Member States during the ICAO Assembly and serves as the governing body for a three-year term.
- Part I includes states of chief importance in air transport like the US, UK, China, and Japan.
- Part II comprises states making the largest contributions to international civil air navigation, including India, Germany, and Brazil;
- Part III covers states ensuring geographic representation, such as Bolivia, Malaysia, and Ethiopia.
India and ICAO
- India is a founding ICAO member, it played a key role in promoting safe, secure, sustainable, and inclusive international civil aviation.
- For 2025–2028, India focuses on strengthening aviation safety and security, enhancing air connectivity, advancing technology, and supporting ICAO’s No Country Left Behind initiative (highlights ICAO’s efforts to assist States in implementing ICAO Standards and Recommended Practices).
Payments Regulatory Board (PRB)
01-10-2025
Source: IE
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has established a six-member Payments Regulatory Board (PRB) to enhance oversight and governance of the country’s payment systems.
- Composition of PRB: It is chaired by the RBI Governor and comprises two additional RBI representatives along with three Central Government nominees.
- RBI Members include Deputy Governor and Executive Director in charge of Payment and Settlement Systems.
- RBI’s principal legal adviser is a permanent invitee to PRB meetings.
- Predecessor Body: PRB replaces the Board for Regulation and Supervision of Payment and Settlement Systems (BPSS), a committee of the RBI’s Central Board.
- Legal Authority: PRB derives powers from the Payment and Settlement Systems Act, 2007. The RBI’s Department of Payment and Settlement Systems (DPSS) reports directly to the PRB.
- Decision-Making: Decisions are by majority vote of members present. In case of a tie, the chairperson or deputy governor has a second or casting vote.
Regulation of Payment Systems in India
- The Payments and Settlement Systems Act, 2007 (PSS Act) empowers the RBI to regulate payment systems in India.
Exercise Bright Star 2025
01-09-2025
Source: PIB
Indian Armed Forces personnel are participating in the 19th edition of Exercise Bright Star 2025, which is being held in Egypt.
- About: It is a biennial multilateral military exercise, recognized as one of the largest and longest-running tri-service drills in the Middle East–North Africa (MENA) region.
- Hosted by Egypt in partnership with the US since 1980, it has evolved from a bilateral US-Egypt initiative into a full-scale multilateral military exercise.
- Objective: It aims to enhance jointness and interoperability among participating nations, promote regional peace, security, and stability, and strengthen multi-domain warfare preparedness through joint training.
Other Key Multilateral Military Exercises Involving India:
|
Exercise Name
|
Hosting/Lead Countries (Along with India)
|
|
Malabar (Naval)
|
US, Japan, Australia
|
|
MILAN (Naval)
|
Indonesia, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Thailand and several others
|
|
RIMPAC (Naval)
|
US, Australia, Canada, Japan, India and several others
|
|
IBSAMAR (Naval)
|
Brazil & South Africa
|
Gangotri Glacier Retreat Signals Climate Peril
01-09-2025
Source: DTE
A study by IIT Indore and ICIMOD (Nepal) reveals that the Gangotri Glacier System (GGS), the primary source of the Ganga, has lost 10% of its snowmelt flow over 1980–2020 due to rising temperatures and climate change.
- Himalayan glaciers are thinning at an average of 46 cm/year, and Gangotri’s snout is steadily receding. Increasing rainfall-runoff and base flow indicate climate-induced hydrological changes.
- Glacial lakes and other water bodies across the Himalayan region saw a 10.81% increase in area from 2011 to 2024 due to climate change (Central Water Commission).
Gangotri Glacier
- About: Gangotri Glacier, located in Uttarkashi, Uttarakhand is one of the largest Himalayan glaciers originating from the northern slopes of the Chaukhamba range.
- It is a compound valley glacier, fed by several tributary glaciers like Raktvarn, Chaturangi, and Swachand glaciers.
- It is fed by peaks including Shivling, Thalay Sagar, Meru, and Bhagirathi III & it terminates at Gaumukh, from where the Bhagirathi River emerges and later joins the Alaknanda to form the Ganga at Devprayag.

- Gangotri National Park: Established in 1989, it encompasses Gaumukh, the source of the Ganga, and the popular Gaumukh-Tapovan Trek.
- It has dense temperate coniferous forests including chirpine, deodar, fir, spruce, oak, and rhododendron, and is home to rare and endangered species such as Black Bear, Brown Bear, Himalayan Monal, Himalayan Snowcock, Himalayan Tahr, Musk Deer and Snow Leopard

Hot Springs & Origin of Life
01-08-2025
Source: DST
Scientists in Puga Valley hot springs, Ladakh, discovered travertine (calcium carbonate) deposits capable of trapping organic molecules like amino acids, fatty acids, and formamide.
- This supports theories that life may have originated in geothermal environments, similar to early Earth or Mars.
- The study used techniques like GC-MS-MS, Raman Spectroscopy, X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Infrared Spectroscopy (IR), Stable Isotope Geochemistry and microscopy.
- It challenges earlier silica-based origin theories by showing calcium carbonate can preserve biosignatures, acting as a prebiotic reactor.
- Findings may aid ISRO’s astrobiological missions by guiding biosignature detection on Mars-like terrains.
Hot Springs & Geysers
- Hot springs are geothermal features where heated groundwater surfaces in tectonically active areas. Eg: Manikaran (Himachal Pradesh).
- Puga Valley, in southeastern Ladakh, is known for geothermal activity, sulphur springs, and energy potential.
- Geysers are volcanic geothermal features that erupt hot water and steam when groundwater is superheated by magma in underground cavities. Eg: Yellowstone National Park (USA).
|
Hot Springs
|
Geysers
|
- In a hot spring the heated water flows out continuously without any eruptive activity.
- Such hot springs are common in Yellowstone Park US; Badrinath and Manikaran in India.
- These hot springs are very healthy for bathing.
|
- In a geyser, hot water and steam are thrown out at intervals in the form of a fountain.
- There is an Old Faithful geyser which erupts out exactly in one hour intervals; these are about 100 geysers.
|
RBI Tightens Investment Norms in AIFs
01-08-2025
Source: TH
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has new norms to limit investment by regulated entities (REs) in Alternative Investment Fund (AIF) schemes to prevent evergreening, reduce concentration risk, and improve financial risk management.
- Investment Cap: Total investment by all REs in an AIF scheme is restricted to 20% of the corpus. No RE can invest more than 10% of an AIF scheme's corpus.
- If a RE invests over 5% in an AIF that has downstream exposure to its own debtor (excluding equity), then it must set aside the total loan amount of that investment as a safety net.
- Regulated Entities Covered: Commercial banks, Regional Rural Banks (RRBs), urban and co-operative banks, all-India financial institutions, and Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs), including housing finance companies.
- Alignment with SEBI: The new rules bring RBI norms in line with Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) standards on due diligence and investment practices.
- Alternative Investment Fund: An AIF is a privately pooled investment vehicle in India that collects funds from sophisticated Indian or foreign investors to invest as per a defined policy for their benefit.
- AIFs exclude funds regulated under SEBI’s Mutual Fund or Collective Investment Schemes rules 1999.
- Exemptions also apply to family trusts, employee welfare/gratuity trusts, and holding companies under the Companies Act, 1956.
- Categories of AIF:

Environment Protection (Management of Contaminated Sites) Rules, 2025
01-08-2025
Source: TH
Why in News?
The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) has notified the Environment Protection (Management of Contaminated Sites) Rules, 2025 under the Environment Protection Act (EPA), 1986.
- These rules legally codify the procedure for identifying, assessing, and remediating chemically contaminated sites.
What are the Key Provisions of the Environment Protection (Management of Contaminated Sites) Rules, 2025?
- Definition of Contaminated Sites: Contaminated sites refer to locations with historical hazardous waste dumping, leading to soil, groundwater, and surface water contamination.
- Examples include old landfills, spill sites, and chemical waste dumps.
- Identification and Reporting Mechanism:
- District Administration must submit half-yearly reports on suspected contaminated sites to the State Pollution Control Board or designated authority.
- State Pollution Control Boards or designated expert bodies must conduct a preliminary assessment of suspected sites within 90 days, followed by a detailed investigation in the next 90 days.
- If the site contains any of the 189 hazardous chemicals listed under the 2016 Hazardous Waste Rules above safe limits, it is officially declared contaminated.
- Names and details of such sites are to be publicised; access restrictions imposed.
- Remediation Planning: A reference organisation (expert body) will draft a remediation plan specific to the site.
- Liability and Cost Recovery: Polluters identified as responsible (Polluters pay principle) will bear the cost of clean-up.
- If polluters are untraceable or unable to pay, cost-sharing between Centre and States is mandated.
- Criminal Liability: Any loss of life or environmental damage caused by contamination will attract penalties under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023.
- Exclusions: These rules exclude contamination from radioactive waste, mining operations, marine oil pollution, and solid waste dumps. As each of these is already covered under separate, specific laws.
Environment (Protection) Act, 1986
- The EPA, 1986 was passed by the Parliament in the wake of the Bhopal Gas Tragedy, highlighting the urgent need for a comprehensive law to protect the environment and public health.
- EPA enacted under Article 253 of the Constitution (empowers the Parliament to enact laws for implementing international agreements) to fulfill international commitments made at the 1972 Stockholm Conference.
- The Act empowers the Central Government to prevent, control, and respond to environmental pollution. It allows the Centre to set standards, regulate emissions, shut down polluting industries, and control essential services.
- Article 48A directs the State to protect the environment, forests, and wildlife, while Article 51A makes it the duty of every citizen of India to protect and improve the natural environment.
UPSC Civil Services Exam, Previous Year Questions (PYQ)
Prelims
Q. Consider the following statements: (2019)
The Environment Protection Act, 1986 empowers the Government of India to:
- State the requirement of public participation in the process of environmental protection, and the procedure and manner in which it is sought.
- Lay down the standards for emission or discharge of environmental pollutants from various sources.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Ans: (b)
Project 17A Frigate Himgiri
01-08-2025
Source: PIB
Himgiri (Yard 3022), the 3rd ship of the Nilgiri Class (Project 17A), built at Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE), Kolkata, was delivered to the Indian Navy, marking a key milestone in India’s journey towards self-reliance in warship design and construction.
- Himgiri is a modernized version of the former INS Himgiri, a Leander-class frigate, which was decommissioned in 2005 after 30 years of service.
- Himgiri is equipped with BrahMos anti-ship and land-attack cruise missiles, along with Barak 8 anti-aircraft missiles, representing a major leap in naval strike and defensive capabilities.
- Earlier, INS Nilgiri and INS Udaygiri were launched under Project 17A.
- Project 17A (P17A) frigates are multi-mission platforms designed to address current and future maritime challenges.
- P17A ships feature advanced weapons and sensors over the P17 (Shivalik) class, including supersonic surface-to-surface missiles, medium-range surface-to-air missiles, and rapid-fire Close-in Weapon Systems.
- P17A are equipped with a Combined Diesel or Gas propulsion system that drives a Controllable Pitch Propeller (CPP) on each shaft, along with a state-of-the-art Integrated Platform Management System (IPMS).
- Project 17A frigates mark a major leap in indigenous ship design, stealth, and combat capability.
Inauguration of National Turmeric Board in Nizamabad
01-07-2025
Source: TH
The Union Home Minister inaugurated the National Turmeric Board in Nizamabad, Telangana, to develop a complete value chain for turmeric, including packaging, branding, marketing, and export.
- Operating under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, the board aims to reduce middlemen, promote GI-tagged organic turmeric, and train farmers in best practices.
- Previously, the Spices Board managed turmeric promotion along with over 50 other spices.
Turmeric
- About: Turmeric is an underground stem (rhizome) of the Curcuma longa plant, which is part of the ginger family (Zingiberaceae).
- Curcumin, the active compound in turmeric, gives it its yellow color and is known for its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial benefits.
- Cultivation: India cultivates 30+ turmeric varieties across 20+ states, with major producers being Maharashtra, Telangana, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu.
- Turmeric requires a tropical climate with 20–30°C temperature, 1500+ mm annual rainfall, and well-drained sandy or clay loam soils for optimal growth.
- Global Standing: India is the world’s largest producer, consumer, and exporter of turmeric.
- In 2022–23, it contributed over 75% of global production and held a 62% share in global exports.
- Export Data: India exported turmeric and related products worth USD 207.45 million in 2022–23, mainly to Bangladesh, UAE, USA, and Malaysia, and aims to reach USD 1 billion in turmeric exports by 2030.
- GI Tags: GI-certified varieties include Lakadong turmeric (Meghalaya), Kandhamal turmeric (Odisha), Erode turmeric (Tamil Nadu).
- Health Benefits: Curcumin helps in reducing inflammation, fighting oxidative stress, and aiding digestion by enhancing bile production, making turmeric significant in traditional and modern medicine.

India as the World’s Fourth Largest Economy
01-01-2026
Source: TH
The Government announced that India has surpassed Japan to become the world's fourth-largest economy with a GDP of USD 4.18 trillion and is the fastest-growing major economy. Currently, India is behind the United States (USD 30.6 trillion), China (USD 19.4 trillion), and Germany (USD 5 trillion).
- Immediate Expectations: India is poised to displace Germany from the third rank in the next 2.5 to 3 years with a projected GDP of USD 7.3 trillion by 2030.
- GDP in PPP Terms: India's economy ranks 3rd globally in Purchasing Power Parity (PPP) terms at USD 14 trillion, behind China (USD 33 trillion) and the United States (USD 25 trillion).
- The IMF projects India’s GDP (PPP) could reach USD 20.7 trillion by 2030 and potentially become the world's second-largest PPP economy by 2038 with a GDP of USD 34.2 trillion.
- Robust Growth Momentum: India’s real GDP grew by 8.2% in Q2 (July, August, and September) of 2025-26, marking a six-quarter high, reflecting the economy's resilience against global trade uncertainties.
- International Projections: The World Bank projects a 6.5% growth rate for India in 2026, while the IMF raised its forecast to 6.6% for 2025.
- The Asian Development Bank lifted its 2025 forecast to 7.2%, and Moody's expects India to remain the fastest-growing G20 economy.
- Supportive Macroeconomic Indicators: Inflation is low, unemployment is declining, and strong credit flow and urban demand support sustained growth.
- Vision 2047: India’s long-term vision targets high middle-income status by 2047, anchored in structural reforms, economic resilience, and social progress.
India–Maldives Infrastructure Cooperation
01-01-2026
Source: TH
The Ministry of Civil Aviation asked the Airports Authority of India (AAI) to examine the Maldives’ proposal to engage Indian companies for the management of Hanimaadhoo airport.
- Context: This move follows the 2012 cancellation of the USD 511 million GMR airport contract and the 2014 award of construction work to Beijing Urban Construction Group (China).
- The issue was subsequently resolved in 2016, when the Singapore Arbitration Centre awarded USD 270 million in compensation to GMR for wrongful termination.
- Hanimaadhoo International Airport: It is located on the island of Hanimaadhoo in Haa Dhaalu Atoll. India extended a USD 800 million Line of Credit (LoC) via EXIM Bank of India for the redevelopment of Hanimaadhoo airport.
- The Maldives is a chain of low-lying coral islands and atolls located in the north-central Indian Ocean, south-west of India and Sri Lanka, extending across the equatorial region.
- Strategic Significance: This development signals renewed bilateral engagement and strengthens India’s role in connectivity, development assistance and strategic influence across the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).
- Airports Authority of India (AAI): It is a statutory body under the Ministry of Civil Aviation constituted under the Airports Authority of India Act, 1994, and operational since 1 April 1995 following the merger of the National Airports Authority and the International Airports Authority of India.
- It develops, maintains, and manages India’s civil aviation infrastructure, including airport operations and passenger and cargo terminals.
India’s Mega Rail Projects
01-01-2026
Source: PIB
Indian Railways is undertaking landmark 21st-century infrastructure projects that are transforming connectivity, boosting logistics, and showcasing India’s engineering capability and long-term development vision.
What are the Recent Landmark Railway Infrastructure Projects in India?
- Udhampur–Srinagar–Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL): A 272-km strategically vital railway project in the Himalayan region built at a cost of about ₹44,000 crore, providing all-weather rail connectivity to the Kashmir Valley through 36 tunnels (119 km) and 943 bridges, significantly enhancing security, mobility, tourism, and economic activity.
- Chenab Rail Bridge: Part of (USBRL), this world’s highest railway arch bridge stands 359 m above the river, spans 1,315 m, and is engineered to withstand high seismic activity and extreme wind conditions, symbolising India’s advanced engineering capabilities.
- Anji Rail Bridge: India’s first cable-stayed railway bridge, constructed over the Anji River, represents a major technological milestone in railway bridge construction in mountainous terrain.
- New Pamban Railway Bridge (Tamil Nadu): India’s first vertical-lift sea bridge, a 2.08-km structure with advanced corrosion-protection systems, ensuring long-term durability in harsh marine conditions and maintaining critical rail connectivity to Rameswaram, a major pilgrimage and tourism centre.
- Network Expansion: Since 2014, Indian Railways has significantly improved connectivity in the North-East by laying over 1,679 km of new tracks, electrifying 2,500+ route km, and constructing 470+ road overbridges/underbridges.
- Capital Connectivity Milestone: Commissioning of the Bairabi–Sairang new line has connected Aizawl to the national rail network for the first time, making it the fourth North-Eastern capital with rail connectivity.
- Infrastructure Modernisation & Integration: 60 stations are being redeveloped under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme, while key projects like Sivok–Rangpo, Dimapur–Kohima, and Jiribam–Imphal are advancing, strengthening economic and social integration of the region with the rest of India.
- Dedicated Freight Corridor (DFC) Network Expansion: The Eastern Dedicated Freight Corridor (Ludhiana–Sonnagar, 1,337 km) has been fully commissioned and the Western Dedicated Freight Corridor (Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust(JNPT)–Dadri, 1,506 km; 93.2% commissioned), together covering 2,843 km (96.4% operational).
- It will significantly reduce passenger-route congestion, lowering logistics costs, cutting transit time and strengthening industrial and port connectivity to drive faster economic growth.
- High Speed Rail: The Mumbai–Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail Project, implemented by National High Speed Rail Corporation Limited(NHSRCL), features advanced tunnelling works in Maharashtra and rolling-stock depots at Surat and Ahmedabad, representing India’s leap towards world-class high-speed rail connectivity by drastically reducing travel time between two major economic hubs.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- What is special about the Chenab Rail Bridge?
It is the world’s highest railway arch bridge (359 m above river).
- What makes the New Pamban Bridge unique?
It is India’s first vertical-lift sea railway bridge.
- How has rail connectivity improved in the North-East?
Through new tracks, electrification, Aizawl’s first rail link and station redevelopment.
- What are Dedicated Freight Corridors (DFCs)?
Exclusive freight routes to reduce congestion and logistics cost.
UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Question (PYQ)
Q. With reference to bio-toilets used by the Indian Railways, consider the following statements: (2015)
- The decomposition of human waste in the biotoilets is initiated by a fungal inoculum.
- Ammonia and water vapour are the only end products in this decomposition which are released into the atmosphere.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Ans: (d)